I know there are a lot of people out there who are big fans of the kinetic sculpture in the Trove. The sculpture was created by Jeffrey Zachmann, a kinetic sculptor from Minnesota. Interested in knowing more about the creator of the Trove’s kinetic sculpture? Watch this interview where Mr. Zachmann discusses his work.

At the end of each week’s What’s the Story? Safe At Home newsletter, I’ve been sharing videos of a variety of really cool kinetic sculptures and marble runs as an homage to the kinetic sculpture in the Trove.

Those videos I have shared so far have included:

• Wintergatan’s Marble Machine (music instrument using 2000 marbles)
• Black Diamond Rolling Ball Sculpture
• “Swiss Jolly Ball” Rolling Ball Sculpture at Chicago’s Museum of Science + Industry
• The World’s Largest Rolling Ball Sculpture at the Hong Kong Science Museum
• Incredible Marble Run Machine with 110000 Marbles
• A Great Ball Contraption all made of LEGOs
• A huge collection of videos of kinetic sculptures by Jeffrey Zachmann, creator of the Trove’s sculpture
• “High Gear” Rolling Ball Sculpture

STEAM at Home: Marble Runs Activity

How about trying to make your own Marble Run at home with common items? Marble Runs make for a great STEAM activity. Want to know more about the learning benefits of constructing marble runs? This PreK-4 lesson plan lists out the many ways creating Marble Runs represent a wide-variety of STEAM concepts.

Common items needed for these projects include: marbles or small balls, paper towel and toilet paper tubes, cardboard boxes, tape and glue, and popsicle/craft sticks. Other things you could try using if you have them: building toys such as wooden blocks, Keva Planks, LEGOs, or K’NEX; pool noodles; play dough; and even wooden toy train tracks! Part of the fun is finding the materials and working on the design and engineering aspect to create a cool, function, marble run. Share your structures with the Library on social media: Facebook, Twitter. And use #wppldiymarbleruns.

Here’s some links for inspiration and ideas:

• Fun STEM Challenges for Kids – the Best Marble Runs to Build
• DIY Marble Run video
• Marbles and Play Dough STEM Challenge
  • Need to make play dough? Here’s an easy recipe.
• STEM for Kids – Create a Homemade Marble Run