Step 4: Assemble the Track
Position the Heart Pieces – Place the heart-shaped
pieces on the base where you want the marble to roll. Experiment with
spacing to ensure smooth movement.
Secure with Glue or Tape – Attach the pieces firmly
using glue or double-sided tape. Make sure they are stable and aligned
properly.
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Valentine’s Day STEAM Activity, Heart Marble Run with Paper
Engineering with Free PDF
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Experiment with different angles and curves to make the track more
exciting!
Step 5: Test and Play!
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Place a marble at the starting point.
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Watch it roll through the heart-shaped course!
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Adjust angles to improve speed and flow.
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Valentine’s Day STEAM Activity, Heart Marble Run with Paper
Engineering with Free PDF
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This paper engineering activity offers an engaging hands-on experience
that introduces young learners to key scientific principles like gravity,
momentum, and structural stability.
As kids build and test their marble runs, they not only explore how
gravity makes the marble move but also experiment with different angles,
heights, and materials to observe how momentum and force affect the speed
and direction of the marble.
This activity encourages them to think critically about design choices
and problem-solving, enhancing both their creativity and their
understanding of engineering concepts. Through trial and error, they develop fine motor coordination and
strengthen cause-and-effect reasoning as they fine-tune their marble
runs. It’s a fun, interactive way for kids to see science in action
while honing important skills they can apply across
subjects. Download our free STEM challenge PDF and task card template to inspire
creativity and critical thinking in young learners as they explore
engineering and physics concepts.
Educational Benefits of the Heart Marble Run:
Understanding Gravity and Momentum:
Understanding gravity and momentum
through the Heart Marble Run is such an exciting way for kids to see
science in action! As the marble rolls down the track, gravity pulls
it downward, and momentum keeps it moving. By experimenting with
different slopes and angles, children can see how the marble speeds
up, slows down, or changes direction based on how much force is
applied. This hands-on activity helps kids grasp how gravity and
momentum work together in real life, all while having fun and getting
creative with their designs!.
Enhancing Problem-Solving Skills:
As kids design and adjust their marble runs, they get the chance to
experiment with different angles, heights, and structures. This process
sparks critical thinking and problem-solving skills as they figure out
how to make the marble travel smoothly or change direction. Each tweak
and adjustment encourages them to think about what works and why,
building their ability to approach challenges with creativity and
persistence. It’s an exciting way for kids to learn that even small
changes can have a big impact.
Exploring Structural Stability:
This activity encourages kids to think about how to build stable
structures that can support the marble’s movement. As they test
different designs, they learn about balance, weight distribution, and
how to create a sturdy foundation. These hands-on challenges help them
develop early engineering skills, teaching them that careful planning
and design are key to building something that works. It’s a fun way
for kids to start thinking like engineers and get a taste of how their
ideas can come to life!
Boosting Fine Motor Coordination:
Building and adjusting the marble run requires precision and control,
helping kids enhance their fine motor skills. As they carefully place
pieces, adjust angles, and connect parts, they practice hand-eye
coordination and develop the ability to make small, controlled
movements. This activity offers a fun way for children to strengthen
the muscles in their hands and fingers while staying engaged in the
creative process of designing their marble runs!
Encouraging Creativity:
Children can personalize their marble runs with different designs,
allowing them to get creative while learning important engineering
concepts. Whether they choose to add twists, turns, or unique
decorations, this activity encourages them to think outside the box and
experiment with their own ideas. As they design their runs, they’re not
only having fun, but they’re also gaining hands-on experience in
problem-solving, spatial thinking, and design, all while expressing
their creativity!
Promoting Cause-and-Effect Reasoning:
Kids observe how changes in the design impact the marble's movement,
which helps them understand cause-and-effect relationships. By
tweaking the track’s angle or adding new elements, they can see
firsthand how those changes affect the marble’s speed or direction.
This hands-on experimentation teaches them that their actions have
consequences, fostering a deeper understanding of how small
adjustments can lead to big differences in outcomes. It’s a fun way
for kids to grasp this important scientific concept!
Hands-On Learning:
This interactive activity helps children engage with science in a fun
and practical way, reinforcing key concepts through hands-on
experience. By actively building and testing their marble runs, kids
not only learn about gravity, momentum, and engineering but also
develop problem-solving and critical thinking skills. It’s a perfect
blend of learning and play, making complex scientific ideas more
approachable and exciting for young minds!
Why This Activity is Perfect for Teachers & Parents
No-Prep & Budget-Friendly
All you need is a printable template that is available free, paper,
scissors, and glue! This simple yet engaging activity requires minimal
materials, making it easy to set up in the classroom or at home. With no
expensive supplies or complicated instructions, it’s a stress-free way
to bring hands-on STEAM learning to kids while keeping costs low!
Differentiation Strategies
-
Simpler (K-2): Focus on cutting, folding, and
basic track assembly.
-
Advanced (3-5): Encourage complex designs and
incorporate math (e.g., measuring angles).
NGSS-Aligned:
This activity supports Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) for engineering and design, making it a valuable addition to your
curriculum:
-
K-2-ETS1-1 (Engineering Design):
-
Students ask questions, plan, and create solutions as they build
their marble runs.
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3-5-ETS1-2 (Design Solutions):
-
Older students analyze and improve their designs, learning about
gravity, momentum, and structural stability.
The Heart Marble Run
activity is flexible and can be adapted for a wide range of age groups.
Here’s a general guideline:
Preschool & Kindergarten (Ages 4-6) – Focus on
simple cause-and-effect, fine motor skills, and basic gravity concepts.
Teachers and parents can provide pre-cut materials for easy
assembly.
Grades 1-2 (Ages 6-8) – Kids can experiment with
different track designs, explore how angles affect speed, and develop
problem-solving skills through hands-on learning.
Grades 3-5 (Ages 8-11) – Older students can analyze
structural stability, experiment with slopes and forces, and refine
their designs to optimize performance, aligning with
NGSS engineering standards.
Middle School (Grades 6-8, Ages 11-14) – This
activity can be expanded into a
physics and engineering challenge, incorporating
discussions on kinetic and potential energy, friction, and momentum. Students can also apply the
engineering design process to build more complex
structures.
STEAM Exploration – This activity introduces kids to
basic engineering and physics concepts in a hands-on way. As they
design, build, and test their marble runs, they explore how real-world
principles like gravity, force, and motion apply to everyday structures
and designs. It’s an engaging way to make learning meaningful and show
how science and engineering shape the world around us!
Looking to streamline your classroom or learning space?
Consider Google Chrome download for a seamless online experience, or explore Google Workspace for collaborative tools. For more professional
skills, Medical Billing and Coding offers a rewarding path for those interested in healthcare
administration. If you're managing your network, don't forget to
integrate Active Directory Google for better organization and security across your systems.
Holiday-Themed Fun: Celebrates Valentine’s Day through creative
learning.
Life Skills
Patience, Perseverance & Problem-Solving –
Building a marble run takes time and careful adjustments, teaching kids
the value of patience and persistence. When something doesn’t work as
expected, they learn to troubleshoot, experiment, and refine their
designs. This process strengthens their problem-solving skills and
resilience, showing them that challenges can be overcome with creativity
and determination!
Final Thoughts
The Heart Marble Run isn’t just a craft, it’s a hands-on STEAM
challenge that inspires kids to think like engineers while having fun!
Whether in the classroom or at home, this engaging Valentine’s Day
project is sure to be a hit.
Download From here:
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Valentine’s Day STEAM Activity, Heart Marble Run with Paper
Engineering with Free PDF
|
Free Printable Template & Task Card To make this activity even
easier, grab the free printable template and task card below!
Download the
Free Printable Template Here
Download the
Free Task Card Here
Download the
base template Here
Download the STEM challenge lesson plan Here
Binery code Valentine’s Day activity
see here
Valentine’s Day STEM Activities: LEGO Heart Challenge
Valentine’s Day STEAM, Build Structures with Paper Hearts
Looking to streamline your classroom or learning space? Consider
Google Chrome download for a seamless online
experience, or explore Google Workspace for
collaborative tools. For more professional skills,
Medical Billing and Coding offers a rewarding path for
those interested in healthcare administration. If you're managing your
network, don't forget to integrate
Active Directory Google for better organization and
security across your systems.
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