Every year our church, The River Church Community in San Jose CA does a big Maker Camp ( http://www.rivermakercamp.org -- if you're around San Jose sign up your kids!!). I wanted a huge interactive display when kids walked in. So we made "Mt. Make" into a massive 12 foot high, 40 foot long marble run. Note that you could also use a 120RPM version if you want to go steeper or slower, available here . These brainy toys are a great way to get creative juices flowing and reduce tablet time. Here is what you should know when shopping for the best marble runs. Age

Popular Science started writing about technology more than 150 years ago. There was no such thing as “gadget writing” when we published our first issue in 1872, but if there was, our mission to demystify the world of innovation for everyday readers means we would have been all over it. Here in the present, PopSci is fully committed to helping readers navigate the increasingly intimidating array of devices on the market right now. Case in point: The marble run. This whimsical toy is one of the best STEM activities around for younger kids, and it’s powered by nothing more than gravity. Your youngster will learn a lot about that fundamental force of nature by playing with a marble run, and they’ll get to see friction and some basic engineering principles in action as well. The Quadrilla Vertigo features a mix of spins, drops, seesaws, straightaway rails, and three spiral funnels to keep kids (and curious parents) entertained. Some of the pieces have toggles, which keep the marbles going in unpredictable directions. It doesn’t get any easier than this. Recycle an old cereal box and you’ve got yourself a playful toy that will keep the kids entertained for quite a while. Why it made the cut: Kids 8 and up can enjoy the Speed Set, the deluxe version of the Starter Set, plus extra features and accessories like flips, loops, spirals, and cannons.Unlike consumer electronics for kids, marble runs don’t have a ton of hard specs or setup requirements to compare. We started by taking a wide survey of the available models and then narrowing it down to specific options that promise durability and flexibility. Kids can get bored easily when toys only offer one play pattern, so flexibility is critical in keeping little ones interested. A fun countertop marble game easily constructed out of a box that won’t take up too much space, but can be enjoyed multiple times.

Marble toys will list their age restrictions or recommendations. Be sure to look for an age-appropriate toy when shopping for your little one. Marbles are, by their very nature, choking hazards, so these are probably best to avoid for very little ones. And make sure they’re stored in a safe place, like a toy organizer, when not in use. MaterialsYou can get 1" ID x 1.25" OD flexible rubber tubing at your hardware store. Here's the stuff I used, but it's way better to get locally so you can get it cut to length. Find out how to make this impressive roller coaster run from a single 2×4 board. This one’s for the adults to make and requires some tools, but the step-by-step tutorial make it easier to follow along and the end result will be worth it. Some marbles are made of glass, while others are made of plastic. You can find magnetic sets, wooden options, and more. Some sets can expand if you buy more pieces to go with them, so if you think it may be a big hit, opt for something you can build on later. Durability Note that the plastic is BPA-free and non-toxic, but because of the price point, the material isn’t the highest quality. Hot tip: some users recommend constructing your run on a rubber mat—the dining table can make it less sturdy and tip over. What to consider when buying the best marble runs Marbles are a choking hazard for young children so they aren’t suitable for kids under the age of 3.