Switch-Activated Marble Run
Project #00001240
Client need
A junior high teacher reached out on behalf of students with complex learning needs and developmental disabilities. Many of the students are not able to use their hands to support learning and exploration in the classroom, and the teacher was looking for a way for them to take part in hands-on, cause-and-effect play alongside their classmates.
What was built
Our volunteers built a tall wooden marble run on a rolling cabinet base, activated by a single large accessibility switch. Pressing the switch trips a motor that tips a marble out of its cup, sending it clattering down a wavy wooden track, bouncing between levels before landing at the bottom — all without needing fine hand control to start it.
How it helped
Students who can't use their hands to manipulate classroom materials can now trigger the marble run themselves with a single press, joining in on the sounds and motion alongside their classmates during exploration and sensory activities.
