Marble Runs
Let's Face It. Complex marble runs are incredibly fun -- even mesmerizing. But they also have some important abstract learning for developing minds.
Complex marble runs are open-ended construction play, making them great Thinking Toys. They are easily considered STEAM activities. The architectural build, the mathematical spatial relationships, the physics and technology involved in complex pathways can be very challenging. Better yet, some marble run architects, young and old, use ingenuity and creativity to engage the observer as the marble disappears and reappears or perhaps creates unexpected domino shuffles as it cruises its path.
The best marble run architecture doesn't know instant gratification. Patience, concentration, engagement, and focus is required, which builds attention span. Teamwork supports the most interesting engineering and problem-solving feats.
