Marble run
A marble run or marble run is a construction made of wood, paper, plastic or metal in which a ball (often a marble ) passes through a given course solely due to gravity.
Areas of application
Ball tracks mostly serve as toys , but are occasionally also used for playful research into physical laws , as an element in exhibitions ( science centers ) or as art objects ( kinetic art ). In addition to permanently installed ball tracks, there are also variable ball track systems that are designed to train design skills.
Educational value
When using a marble run, children’s perception , cognitive skills and motor skills are encouraged in a playful way . Constructing and playing can lead to a. to improve spatial perception , logical thinking, hand-eye coordination and visual perception . In addition, playing with a marble run also has a calming effect and conveys a sense of achievement and thus self-confidence.
Special ball tracks
With most ball tracks , the ball is constantly rolling downwards. But there are also tracks in which the ball rolls horizontally at times, as is the case, for example, with the Quadrilla ball track and Cuboro . Ball tracks, with which a wide variety of melodies can be constructed and composed, are also on the market. In addition to the abilities already mentioned, this also promotes the use of music.
With the wall ball track, which was awarded the Golden Rocking Horse 2011, the magnetic beech wood elements adhere to every magnetic wall (magnetic boards, refrigerator, tinplate, etc.).
With ball track systems made up of various components such as floor plates, flexible plastic pipes, metal supports, seesaws, switches and motorized lifts, very complex ball tracks can be built. Depending on the set inclination and the course of the path, the ball rolls faster or very slowly over the path. Steep stretches and loops can be easily designed with the plastic pipes. They enable particularly rapid ball rides. Several balls can be in motion on the track at the same time.
Web links
- Website on marble runs and kinetic art
- Kugelwelt: Play station for the Expo 2000 in Hanover
- Jürgen's marble run pages