

Middle School Back to School Physics: 2-page STEM packet on gravitational acceleration, rolling friction, incline angles, & traversal speed math.
Master gravitational acceleration, rolling friction, and momentum control! The Marble Maze Gravitational Challenge (BTS18) challenges middle school student teams to act as mechanical engineers, constructing a hand-held tilt maze inside a box lid using straws and tape to guide a marble through complex switchbacks for maximum time.
Students explore gravitational force vectors, incline angles, rolling friction, momentum, and controlled traversal speed calculations (s = d / t)!
What Is Included in This 2-Page Packet?
Page 1: Student Mission Card & Blueprint: Real-world mechanical controls and game physics scenario, clear material constraints box (1 box lid, 15 straws, tape, 1 marble, gravity-driven tilt rule, 4-turn minimum requirement), and a dedicated Maze Vector & Vector Pathway Blueprint sketching zone for pre-build path layout, trap placement, and switchback planning.
Page 2: Testing Log & Scientific Reflection: Structured Data Testing Table (track path modifications, total traversal time in seconds, and stuck points across 3 trial runs), Applied Math Connection (calculate controlled marble traversal speed in centimeters per second using s = d / t), and physics reflection questions analyzing gravitational incline vectors, rolling friction control, and momentum conservation on sharp turns.
Core STEM Skills Covered:
Gravitational Vectors, Incline Angles & Acceleration Control
Rolling Friction, Momentum Conservation & Mechanical Design
Data Logging, Distance Measurements (cm), Time Tracking (s), and Speed Math
Iterative Maze Optimization and Precision Control
Why Teachers Love This Resource:
High-Engagement Interactive Engineering: Students love testing their hand-eye coordination and tilt mechanics against the clock!
Low-Cost Recycled Materials: Uses simple cardboard box lids, plastic straws, tape, and marbles.
Clean 2-Page Layout: Keeps student maze blueprints, speed calculations, and physics reflections organized on a single front-and-back printable sheet.
Print-Ready: High-resolution, 2-page PDF format ready for instant printing.
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