Cardboard marble sorter craft for 11-year-olds
This engineering project is for 11-year-olds who want to test slopes, openings, and sorting rules. Use pom-poms or ping-pong balls rather than small marbles.
What to buy
Large corrugated cardboard sheet
1
Cardboard strips
12
Small paper cups
4
Large pom-poms in two sizes
20
Ping-pong balls
6
Masking tape
1 roll
Clear packing tape
1 roll
Ruler
1
Pencil
1
Fine-tip markers
3
Scissors
1 pair
White school glue
1 bottle
Who this list is for
Young builders who want to test ramps, openings, and sorting rules can use this cardboard marble sorter craft. It is designed for 11-year-olds and uses large pom-poms and ping-pong balls instead of small marbles.
How to use this list
Sketch a sorter layout on the large corrugated cardboard sheet with the pencil and ruler. Use cardboard strips to create slopes, walls, and channels, then place the small paper cups at the ends as collection bins. Attach parts with masking tape first, test with pom-poms and ping-pong balls, and reinforce the working layout with clear packing tape or white school glue. Label each route with fine-tip markers.
Common mistakes
Do not glue every strip before testing the slope. A channel that looks steep enough may still stop a large pom-pom, while an opening sized for a ping-pong ball may send both ball sizes into the same cup. Keep the pathways wide enough for the intended item and let glued pieces dry before another test.
What is on this list
Gather one large corrugated cardboard sheet, 12 cardboard strips, four small paper cups, 20 large pom-poms in two sizes, and six ping-pong balls. The list also includes masking tape, clear packing tape, a ruler, pencil, three fine-tip markers, scissors, and white school glue. Cross off supplies already on hand.
When you are done
Run several sorting trials and note which slopes and openings work best. Store the sorter flat if possible, or remove any loose pom-poms and ping-pong balls before putting it away.
FAQ
Who is "Cardboard marble sorter craft for 11-year-olds" for?
Young builders who want to test ramps, openings, and sorting rules can use this cardboard marble sorter craft. It is designed for 11-year-olds and uses large pom-poms and ping-pong balls instead of small marbles.
How should I use "Cardboard marble sorter craft for 11-year-olds"?
Sketch a sorter layout on the large corrugated cardboard sheet with the pencil and ruler. Use cardboard strips to create slopes, walls, and channels, then place the small paper cups at the ends as collection bins. Attach parts with masking tape first, test with pom-poms and ping-pong balls, and reinforce the working layout with clear packing tape or white s…
What should I skip or avoid with "Cardboard marble sorter craft for 11-year-olds"?
Do not glue every strip before testing the slope. A channel that looks steep enough may still stop a large pom-pom, while an opening sized for a ping-pong ball may send both ball sizes into the same cup. Keep the pathways wide enough for the intended item and let glued pieces dry before another test.
What is on the "Cardboard marble sorter craft for 11-year-olds" list?
Gather one large corrugated cardboard sheet, 12 cardboard strips, four small paper cups, 20 large pom-poms in two sizes, and six ping-pong balls. The list also includes masking tape, clear packing tape, a ruler, pencil, three fine-tip markers, scissors, and white school glue. Cross off supplies already on hand.
What should I do when I am done?
Run several sorting trials and note which slopes and openings work best. Store the sorter flat if possible, or remove any loose pom-poms and ping-pong balls before putting it away.
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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.