Saturday STEAM Challenge – Paper Plate Pinball

Start with one paper plate and access to various craft supplies. You can use construction paper, cardboard, pipe cleaners, and even straws. Create a fun obstacle course for a marble to run through! In the spirit of St. Patrick’s Day, try using a rainbow of colors!

Materials:
-Paper plate – Sturdy one with edges work best
-Marble
-Various craft supplies: construction paper, straws, wikki stix, pipe cleaners, cardboard
-Tape or glue
-Scissors

Instructions:

  1. Take your various craft supplies and create different arches or tunnels throughout your plate.
  2. Try adding ramps or even pockets.
  3. Add a point system to the various tunnels and arches.
  4. Play Paper Plate Pinball!

This hands-on activity encourages creativity, problem-solving, and engineering thinking while kids experiment with motion, design, and gravity.

Extra Pinball Challenges to Explore:

  1. Score Challenge: Keep track of points and see who can earn the highest score in three turns.
  2. Obstacle Upgrade: Add more ramps, zig-zag paths, or spinning pipe cleaner obstacles.
  3. Design Challenge: Use only three materials to build your course.
  4. Rainbow Builder: Try using all the colors of the rainbow somewhere on your obstacle course.

We would love to hear how this maze challenge went at home! Let us know in the comments below.

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xo Shiny Happy Kids