Marble Time Machine

No, this machine doesn't actually transport you in time, but measures time using no power or clockwork mechanisms.

Create an amazing contraption that will enable a marble to reach the bottom of a flight of stairs in a set time.

WHAT YOU NEED:

materials such as:
paper towel/toilet papaer rolls
construction paper
card
blocks

what else can you think of?

tape
scissors

a flight of stairs, or construct your own steps.
marbles
gravity!

This activity is not suitable for young children (unless the steps are very low) and please supervise older children and make sure they are aware of the dangers!

Attempt to create a timer that measures exactly 10 seconds.

If the marble gets to the bottom of the stairs in exactly 10 seconds, without any help from you, you've mastered challenge!

It might take quite a few tries, and experimenting with changing the variables!

Can you adjust or change your set up to make it take 20 seconds?

30 seconds?

A minute?

What about a different length flight of stairs?

What if the stairs are steeper?

What about stairs with changes in direction?

What adjustments will you have to make?

What did you find out?

Have fun!