Take-home activity idea: DIY Marble Maze!

Looking for a fun AND educational activity to do at home? Try out the DIY Marble Maze!

This simple hands-on project, reminiscent of popular arcade games, is also a great way of demonstrating two scientific concepts: Newton’s Law of Conservation of Energy and his 3 Laws of Motion!

Read on for the full guide. PDF version is also available below!

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DIY Marble Maze

STEM Lesson

Newton’s Law of Conservation of Energy states that energy can neither be created nor destroyed. Marble mazes are a terrific demonstration of how energy can be transformed from one form to another. The first form of energy we encounter when using our mazes is potential energy. Potential energy is the stored energy an object has because of its position. If you hold the marble just at the edge of the maze, the marble has potential energy. When you release the marble, it begins to move through the maze as you tilt the cardboard base. Releasing the marble into the maze transforms the marble’s potential energy into kinetic energy. Kinetic energy is the energy of motion. Any object that has mass and is moving has kinetic energy.

Your marble maze also demonstrates Newton’s 3 Laws of Motion:

1. An object at rest remains at rest, and an object in motion remains in motion at constant speed and in a straight line unless acted on by an unbalanced force. (The marble will remain at rest in the maze unless you exert a force on the maze to move it. The marble travels in zig zag patterns, as opposed to a straight line, because the walls of the maze exert a force on the marble whenever it collides with them.)

2. The acceleration of an object depends on the mass of the object and the amount of force applied. (The marble moves around the maze quickly due to it’s low mass unless we exert very little force on the maze as we move it.)

3. Whenever one object exerts a force on another object, the second object exerts an equal and opposite on the first. (This is why the marble bounces off of the walls of the maze when the marble hits them.)

STEM Career

• Architect: Architects have created mazes throughout history in palaces, playgrounds, memorials and art installations. They have been used to organize storage spaces and to offer a space for walking meditations.

• Psychologist: Mazes are used by psychologists to better understand spatial memory, which can indicate a person’s cognitive abilities.

Materials Needed

• Cardboard (assorted sizes)

• Cardboard boxes assembled (or help students assemble their own)

• Cardboard tubes

• Hot glue gun

• Hot glue sticks

• Masking tape

• Duct tape

• Regular straws

• Milkshake straws

• Fuzzy sticks

• Scissors

• Box cutters

• Markers

• Marbles

Activity Instructions

1. Select a piece of cardboard or cardboard box to work with. If there are no more boxes left, you can make your own by taping pieces of cardboard together into a cube. Be sure you leave the top of the box open so you can the pieces of your maze.

2. Choose straws and/or pipe cleaners to build your maze with. Attach them using either hot glue gun or masking tape. Feel free to add tunnels that your marble can travel through using the cardboard tubes.

3. Don’t forget to make a wall around your maze so that your marble doesn’t escape.

4. Draw a circle at the top of your cardboard. This will be the starting line. Cut a hole large enough for your marble to fit through on the bottom of your cardboard - this will be the finish line.

5. Challenge: can you add a base or device below your maze that will catch your marble?

6. Test your marble in your maze!

Download the guide here.

Benefits of video games to STEM learning

In recent years, video games have emerged as a powerful tool for education, especially in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Contrary to the common misconception that video games only promote mindless entertainment, they can actually be harnessed to enhance critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and creativity. This blog post explores the various benefits of integrating video games into STEM learning and sheds light on how they can shape the future of education.

Engaging and Interactive Learning Environment

Video games create an immersive and interactive learning environment that captivates students' attention and keeps them engaged. By presenting complex concepts in a visually appealing and interactive manner, video games effectively foster curiosity and motivation in STEM subjects. Students can actively explore virtual worlds, conduct experiments, and solve puzzles, which leads to a deeper understanding of scientific principles, mathematical concepts, and engineering principles.

Development of Problem-Solving and Critical Thinking Skills

STEM-focused video games often require players to analyze, strategize, and make decisions in real-time. This process stimulates critical thinking and problem-solving skills as players encounter challenges and obstacles that require logical reasoning and creativity to overcome. Through trial and error, students learn to think critically, develop hypotheses, and test their ideas—a valuable skill set that translates directly into STEM fields.

Collaboration and Teamwork

Many video games emphasize collaborative gameplay, fostering teamwork and communication among players. By working together to solve problems and achieve objectives, students develop essential skills for collaboration, cooperation, and effective communication. This aspect of video games mirrors real-world scenarios in which scientists, engineers, and mathematicians collaborate to tackle complex challenges. Learning how to collaborate effectively in virtual environments can seamlessly translate into successful collaborations in STEM-related careers.

Application of Knowledge in Real-World Contexts

Video games often present players with realistic scenarios that require the application of STEM knowledge and skills. For example, in engineering or physics-based games, students must build structures or solve puzzles by applying the laws of physics. Such experiences help students understand the practical application of theoretical concepts, bridging the gap between classroom learning and real-world contexts. By seeing the direct impact of their actions in the game, students gain a sense of accomplishment and a deeper appreciation for the relevance of STEM in their lives.

Adaptability and Technological Fluency

Video games expose students to rapidly evolving technologies and promote adaptability in navigating virtual environments. With the increasing integration of technology in STEM fields, this adaptability is crucial. Video games provide a safe space for students to experiment, make mistakes, and learn from them. This cultivates technological fluency and digital literacy, empowering students to confidently use a wide range of tools and software relevant to STEM disciplines.

Video games offer a treasure trove of benefits for STEM learning. By combining engagement, problem-solving, collaboration, real-world application, and adaptability, they enrich the educational experience and prepare students for the challenges of the future. Embracing video games as an educational tool has the potential to revolutionize STEM learning, creating a generation of innovative thinkers and problem solvers.

Learn more by visiting the Science Mill this month! We have a number of video game-inspired exhibits, and an upcoming event on June 17 called GAME ON! at the Science Mill where visitors can experience special activities like making a video game from scratch!

Only an hour from Austin or San Antonio, Texas, the Science Mill is a family destination offering a fun, interactive learning environment for all ages. Through cutting-edge technology-based exhibits, games, and programs, the Science Mill expands students' understanding and appreciation of science in their everyday lives. By igniting their curiosity and inspiring them to pursue post-secondary education, the Science Mill experience starts students on the path to a life-long career in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM).

Gamifying education: is it good or bad?

As education moves into a deeper technological vein, educators are becoming more aware of introducing video games, or at least their principles, into classroom management strategies. This is called gamification, the process of utilizing elements of game playing, such as competition, point scoring, and progressive levels, in other systems or activities to increase or improve engagement. Education has certainly welcomed gamification strategies in various applications, from actual game play with content to behavioral and grading frameworks. We will briefly review a few of these concepts and their implementation in the classroom.

Motivation through gamified self-assessment

With the foundation of any class, there are grading systems to track student progress and content mastery. Teachers who use gamification give students control of their grades, allowing students to score points by completing tasks. Some of these tasks include reflection of the work that they have completed and cooperative learning with other students. There have been positive results from this form of assessment and students tend to be more engaged when gamification grading systems are utilized.

Exercising agency in a safe space

Games themselves have made their way into the classroom, supporting both the investigation of content and its assessment. Many games explore how content is applied to real world situations or virtual worlds where students navigate concepts either based on the content or use the content to navigate. Not only do these games enable a deeper understanding of topics through “real world” application, but they can also help learners experience trial and error in a safe, controlled space.

Fun, interactive assessments

Teachers also have access to a wide variety of gamification assessments, like Kahoot! or Quizlet, which allow students to interact with others while evaluating their level of understanding of the content being taught.

A new space for sportsmanship

Probably the most cutting edge and deep implementation of gamification is the introduction of esports. Across the country, schools are hosting teams to play online games, ranging from academic driven competitions to video games of soccer-playing vehicles. These teams promote sportsmanship and give students of all backgrounds the opportunity to compete in various levels of competition. In many states, interscholastic leagues are adopting esports rules and regulations, creating a solid foundation for this new platform of sports.

While many of these concepts create environments supportive of students' growth within diverse communities, like any other piece of technology in the classroom, it is still just a tool to drive education and should not be the end all, be all of how content is delivered and assessed. With these tools added to an educators belt, it opens doors of opportunity to be inclusive of all students and introduce STEM components in new and novel ways.

Go deeper into the topic of gamification in education by visiting the Science Mill this month! Experience its potential for yourself through exhibits like The Energy Game, Giant Lever, and Mindball. Reserve your tickets here or purchase them at the door!

The Science Mill is a family destination offering a fun, interactive learning environment for all ages. Through cutting-edge technology-based exhibits, games, and programs, the Science Mill expands students' understanding and appreciation of science in their everyday lives. By igniting their curiosity and inspiring them to pursue post-secondary education, the Science Mill experience starts students on the path to a life-long career in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM).

We invite you to explore our site, learn more, and visit us in Johnson City, Texas.

Constellations according to different cultures

Humans across the world live under one sky and see the same stars — and yet, each culture views the night sky differently. The beliefs, customs, and worldview of the culture are reflected in the patterns they identified, and the names they assigned each constellation.

What is a constellation?

A constellation is a group of stars that form a distinct pattern that has been given a name. At present, there are 88 “official” constellations that astronomers use to map out the sky, but naming constellations is a practice that dates back to early human history.

Historically, constellations serve a number of cultural functions:

• As a calendar, especially for agricultural purposes, as the appearance of certain constellations indicate the season or time of year

• As a way of navigation, especially for seafaring peoples

• As a way of preserving and communicating stories about their culture

One of the brightest stars in the night sky, Betelgeuse forms a part of the modern constellation Orion, named after a Greek figure known for supernatural strength. But this star is seen in various ways by other cultures.

For instance, Navajo culture sees Átse Ats'oosí (First Slender One) where others see Orion. Similarly, this constellation, which represents a bow-and-arrow-wielding warrior in their culture, is a symbol of protection.

To the Japanese, Betelgeuse is called Heike Boshi, and forms a part of a constellation known as the Investigator. This constellation occupies the same area as Orion, but has a different pattern that, together with the star Rigel, represents the story of a legendary war between two families that was fought with honor. This story continues to be passed down the generations as a reminder of the importance of duty, sacrifice, bravery, and loyalty.

The same case is true for Sirius, the brightest star in the night sky. Most famously, Sirius forms a part of the constellation Canis Major, or Large Dog, but other cultures form very different patterns with this star.

For more in-depth comparisons, check out this interactive visualization of the night sky according to different cultures created by astronomer Nadieh Bremer.

You can also learn more at the Constellation Tubes activity at the space-themed event Lift Off! from the Mill! happening on Memorial Day Weekend, May 26-29, 2023! Reserve your tickets today!