STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics, four closely-connected disciplines, but the core of STEM learning is an ability to innovate, think creatively and solve problems, while working in collaboration with others. Nurturing STEM skills is so important as they help kids excel not only in school but in their future careers.
In fact, according to the National Skills Commission, STEM jobs are growing more than twice as fast as other occupations in Australia. In a 21st-century world, the ability to utilise technology, ask big questions and engage in scientific thinking is crucial for us all.
SEE ALSO: STEM 101: What Is STEM & Why Is It So Important?
Why a Marble Maze Is a Good STEM Activity for Kids
Setting up a marble maze is a fun STEM project for a rainy weekend, and can also be a fantastic way to develop your child’s cognitive and creative abilities. A marble maze is a cool introduction to basic science principles, teaching kids about gravity, motion, friction and spatial awareness.
A marble maze is also a puzzle that requires a solution, giving kids the chance to flex their problem-solving abilities and experiment with trial and error. Meanwhile, the hands-on process of making a marble maze requires creativity and logic, while drawing, cutting and gluing enhances fine motor skills.
What You’ll Need
- Studymate Recycled Plastic Ruler 30cm Clear
- Kadink Assorted Paintbrushes 15 Pack
- Staedtler Tradition Graphite Pencils HB 3 Pack
- J.Burrows Kraft Paper Straws 200 Pack 8mm
- Kadink Washable Bright Poster Paint 125mL x 4 Pack
- Kadink Low Temperature Glue Sticks 12 Pack
- Studymate Soft Grip Scissors 5.3"/135mm Purple
- Kadink Low Temperature Glue Gun
- Kadink Air Dry Clay 500g White
- Kadink Dough Bucket 900g Primary
- A box lid like one from Keji Standard Archive Box 10 Pack
How to Make a Marble Maze
Step 1: Take a cardboard box lid and encourage your child to sketch out a maze design inside it using a pencil and ruler. Designs can be as intricate or as basic as they like.
Step 2: Decide where the end of the maze will be. Cut a small marble-shaped hole here using scissors. Preschoolers and early primary kids might need a hand from an adult here.
SEE ALSO: STEM 101: Why Preschoolers Are Born STEM Stars
Step 3: Now it’s time to make the maze three-dimensional. Use pieces of cut-up straws and playdough to build the walls of the maze. Stick everything in place using a glue gun.
Step 4: Next, you need marbles! Get the kids to rustle some up from their bedrooms – or get them to create their own by rolling balls of air-dry clay and painting them. Note that the air-dry clay will need to dry overnight before painting.
Step 5: Once the glue is dry, the maze is ready to use. Place the marble (or clay ball) at the start of the maze and see if your child can get it to fall through the hole at the end of the maze by carefully rotating and tilting the box.
Hot Tip: Working with two or more kids? Separate them and challenge each child to create a maze without anyone else seeing it. Once their mazes are complete, swap them over and set a timer to see who can solve their maze the fastest.
