Wall Maze

An orange vertical surface, with clear plastic piping attached. the words 'potential', 'mass', and 'longest' are displayed along with arrows pointing in every direction.
A large black, orange and green rectangular structure, with a information panel on one side and plastic pipes and arrow along the surfaces.

Problem solving and open ended play uses processes similar to scientific enquiry.

How it works

Line up tubes on the walls and roll a ball through the tubes.

Things to try or ask around the exhibit

Can you make the ball roll along these pathways?

  • The longest path from top to bottom.
  • The steepest angle.
  • The fastest time.
  • Around lots of curves.
  • The shortest path from top to bottom.

Background

This is an open ended exhibit that encourages users to observe, predict, test and refine how a ball rolls through a series of channels. As well as allowing investigation of gravity, friction and mathematical shapes, the exhibit is a simplified model of the scientific process, by encouraging groups of people to discuss and decide on what needs to be checked, controlled, tested and changed.

Finding the science in your world

Everyday problem solving skills are built through a sense of curiosity and resilience. By observing, testing, thinking, rebuilding and retesting and observing, children and adults develop a series of useful skills that mimic the scientific process.

On Display