Release marbles with a tip-over device

What can we use instead of a popsicle stick, pencil, marbles, or protractor if we don't have them?

Use a small wooden craft stick or folded cardstock for the popsicle stick lever arm, a pen or dowel as the pencil pivot, smooth beads or crumpled aluminum-foil balls instead of glass marbles, and a smartphone protractor app or printed angle chart to measure the ramp angle.

Why won't the tipping platform tip when I raise the ramp, and how can I fix it?

Make sure the popsicle stick is taped across the bottom center of the small platform, reduce friction at the pencil pivot with a smoother dowel or spacers, tighten the ramp tape to the base so the slope doesn't shift, shorten or reposition the small cardboard stopper if it blocks release, and try fewer marbles or move them forward on the platform.

How can I adapt this tip-over marble device for different age groups?

For younger children, pre-cut the 30×15 cm base and other cardboard pieces, use larger balls and have an adult place the pencil under the popsicle stick, while older kids can cut the 30×8 cm ramp themselves, add cardboard guides, measure angles with a protractor, and vary marble counts for experiments.

How can we extend or personalize the activity to make it more challenging or creative?

Decorate or label the base and ramp, add adjustable supports under the ramp to test different inclines, tape a small cardboard chute after the tipping platform to redirect marbles, and record tipping angles for 1–3 marbles to share your results and photos on DIY.org.