Grade 8 Tinkers Away in Marble Maze Challenge

Eighth-grade students put their engineering and design skills to the ultimate test as they partook in the annual Marble Maze Challenge, a hands-on learning project that requires students to build a handheld maze through which a half-inch marble can be maneuvered from a specific start and endpoint.

Working in the Makerspace Design Lab, students formed small groups to brainstorm the structural design and theme of the maze. Each maze had to follow a specific rubric and material list; specifically a 16-inch-by-16-inch piece of MDF, a fiber-based wood material, a 20-inch-by-30-inch sheet of foam core, and a 20-inch-square piece of corrugated cardboard. Other requirements included a start and finish line, one singular route all the way through, at least one bridge for the ball to go over, and at least one tunnel for the ball to pass through. Most importantly, the groups had to use the 3D printers to create a functional piece for the maze.

For the in-class competition, the groups presented their mazes to a series of judges including Director of Middle School Brian Christman, history teacher Bud Kohler, and Head Media Specialist Stacey Schwarz. The mazes were judged on originality and creativity of the design, functionality, and participation from each group member.

The creative themes for this year’s challenges ranged from Pumpkin Patch inspired by the Halloween season, Stars Hollow inspired from the television show Gilmore Girls, Soccer Champions League, and Under the Sea, to name a few.

“The students were able to get creative as they had the opportunity to choose their own designs, and using the 3D printers added an innovative component to the whole project,” noted Makerspace teacher Ann Kohler. “The judging portion also sparked fun, competitive spirit amongst the groups.”