Cardboard marble run project supply list
For elementary students building a tabletop marble run at home or for a maker class. This list covers the track materials and testing supplies, not a prebuilt kit.
What to buy
Large corrugated cardboard sheets
3 sheets
Cardboard tubes
6
Masking tape
1 roll
Painter's tape
1 roll
Craft sticks
30
Paper cups
12
Wide wooden clothespins
12
Child-safe scissors
1 pair
Ruler
1
Pencil
1
Marbles
10
Large shallow tray
1
Who this list is for
This cardboard marble run supply list is for elementary students building a tabletop track at home or in a maker class. It focuses on loose materials for designing, testing, and revising a run rather than buying a prebuilt kit.
How to use this list
Start with the large corrugated cardboard sheets, ruler, pencil, and child-safe scissors to plan a base and cut track pieces. Use cardboard tubes, paper cups, craft sticks, wide wooden clothespins, and tape to create ramps, supports, turns, and catch points. Set the finished run inside the large shallow tray, then test it with the marbles.
Common mistakes
Do not build the whole run before testing a single section. A steep ramp, loose masking tape joint, or unsupported cardboard turn can stop a marble quickly. Painter's tape is useful for temporary placement while students adjust the layout; use masking tape when a tested section is ready to stay put. Keep the tray underneath from the first test so marbles do not roll away.
What is on this list
The list includes three large corrugated cardboard sheets, six cardboard tubes, 30 craft sticks, 12 paper cups, 12 wide wooden clothespins, masking tape, painter's tape, and 10 marbles. It also includes one ruler, one pencil, one pair of child-safe scissors, and one large shallow tray. Cross off any tools or materials you already own before gathering supplies.
When you are done
Run each marble from the same starting point and watch for slow sections, gaps, or places where it leaves the track. Make small changes, then test again. Store extra marbles in the shallow tray and keep the cardboard run flat if it will be displayed or used another day.
FAQ
Who is "Cardboard marble run project supply list" for?
This cardboard marble run supply list is for elementary students building a tabletop track at home or in a maker class. It focuses on loose materials for designing, testing, and revising a run rather than buying a prebuilt kit.
How should I use "Cardboard marble run project supply list"?
Start with the large corrugated cardboard sheets, ruler, pencil, and child-safe scissors to plan a base and cut track pieces. Use cardboard tubes, paper cups, craft sticks, wide wooden clothespins, and tape to create ramps, supports, turns, and catch points. Set the finished run inside the large shallow tray, then test it with the marbles.
What should I skip or avoid with "Cardboard marble run project supply list"?
Do not build the whole run before testing a single section. A steep ramp, loose masking tape joint, or unsupported cardboard turn can stop a marble quickly. Painter's tape is useful for temporary placement while students adjust the layout; use masking tape when a tested section is ready to stay put. Keep the tray underneath from the first test so marbles do…
What is on the "Cardboard marble run project supply list" list?
The list includes three large corrugated cardboard sheets, six cardboard tubes, 30 craft sticks, 12 paper cups, 12 wide wooden clothespins, masking tape, painter's tape, and 10 marbles. It also includes one ruler, one pencil, one pair of child-safe scissors, and one large shallow tray. Cross off any tools or materials you already own before gathering suppli…
What should I do when I am done?
Run each marble from the same starting point and watch for slow sections, gaps, or places where it leaves the track. Make small changes, then test again. Store extra marbles in the shallow tray and keep the cardboard run flat if it will be displayed or used another day.
Related lists
For general planning only. Valedo does not guarantee this list’s accuracy, completeness, or suitability. Verify information before relying on it. Not a substitute for professional advice or safety training.