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Pyramid Maze: Difference between revisions

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=====What to Use:=====
=====What to Use:=====


* Decide on size and design on squared paper or choose a piece of card between 150mm and 2000mm square.
* Decide on size and design on squared paper or choose a piece of card between 150mm and 200mm square.
* Choose a marble, ball bearing or bead of approx 15mm diameter.
* Choose a marble, ball bearing or bead of approx 15mm diameter.
* Use 8mm or 12mm square stripwood to make the frames.
* Use 8mm or 12mm square stripwood to make the frames.
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* Try out or look at any puzzles and games you are able to find which involve rolling a marble or ball bearing around - until it drops into a target hole for example.
* Try out or look at any puzzles and games you are able to find which involve rolling a marble or ball bearing around - until it drops into a target hole for example.
* Use your favourite internet '''Search Engine''' to find out about Ancient Egypt and the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Great_Pyramid_of_Giza '''Great Pyramid of Giza'''].
* Use your favourite internet '''Search Engine''' to find out about Ancient Egypt and the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Great_Pyramid_of_Giza '''Great Pyramid of Giza'''].
* Find out about [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Egyptian_hieroglyphs '''Hieroglyphics'''] and the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rosetta_Stone '''Rosetta Stone'''] as a source of possible surface decoration.
* Find out about [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Egyptian_hieroglyphs '''Hieroglyphics'''] and the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rosetta_Stone '''Rosetta Stone'''] as a source of possible surface decoration.
* Measure the diameter of some marbles to find one the right size.
* Measure the diameter of some marbles to find one the right size.
[[File:PyramidMazes.png|500px|right]]
[[File:PyramidMazes.png|500px|right]]
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=====Some ideas:=====
=====Some ideas:=====


* Simple puzzles can be created within a transparent CD Case compirsing a printed card ''(of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Great_Pyramid_of_Giza '''Great Pyramid of Giza'''] for example)'', into which is punched a hole to serve as a target for a small rolling ball bearing.
* Simple puzzles can be created within a transparent CD Case comprising a printed card ''(of the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Great_Pyramid_of_Giza '''Great Pyramid of Giza'''] for example)'', into which is punched a hole to serve as a target for a small rolling ball bearing.
* Similar puzzles can be created for larger diameter marbles or beads by making a frame from stripwood and covering with clear plastic sheet, fixed using thin strips of '''[[Adhesive Tapes|Double-Sided Tape]]''' for example.
* Similar puzzles can be created for larger diameter marbles or beads by making a frame from stripwood and covering with clear plastic sheet - fixed using thin strips of '''[[Adhesive Tapes|Double-Sided Tape]]''' for example.
* Cylindrical cases made to store computer CDs can be used to house 3D puzzles.
* Cylindrical cases made to store computer CDs can be used to house 3D puzzles.


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<span style="color: green">'''Note:'''
<span style="color: green">'''Note:'''
Use strips of cardboard.to build up small differences.
Overlap the corners as shown for greater strength.
</span>
</span>


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<span style="color: green">'''Note:'''
<span style="color: green">'''Note:'''
You may wish to make the bottom layer removable in case you can’t solve the maze! ''(e.g. use '''[[Stripwood Technology Materials|Velcro]]''')''.
You may wish to make the bottom layer removable in case you can’t solve the maze! ''(e.g. use '''[[Stripwood Technology Materials|Velcro]]''')''.
 
</span>




|-
|-
| [[File:PyramidMarbleMaze2e.png |200px|right]]
| [[File:PyramidMarbleMaze2e.png |200px|right]]
Cut out 4 card Equilateral Triangles Cut an aperture in one triangle for the ball to enter, then assemble the top pyramid by gluing them all together. Strips of masking tape on the inside can be used to help hold the triangles in place until the glue sets. You may wish to place them onto a wider base.
Cut out 4 card '''[[Polygons|Equilateral Triangles]]'''. Cut an aperture in one triangle for the ball to enter, then assemble the top pyramid by gluing them all together. Strips of masking tape on the inside can be used to help hold the triangles in place until the glue sets. You may wish to place them onto a wider base.




<span style="color: green">'''Note:'''
<span style="color: green">'''Note:'''
Prepare a ‘kit’ of ready-made card triangles or draw a '''[[Nets and Developments|Square Pyramid Net]]''', then cut out and fold.  
Prepare a ‘kit’ of ready-made card triangles or draw a '''[[Nets and Developments|Square Pyramid Net]]''', then cut out and fold.  
 
</span>


|-
|-
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<span style="color: green">'''Note:'''
<span style="color: green">'''Note:'''
Textured masonry paint or ordinary paint mixed with a little sand or sawdust can give a realistic finish.
Textured masonry paint or ordinary paint mixed with a little sand or sawdust can give a realistic finish.
 
</span>


|}
|}
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** who were they built for?
** who were they built for?
** how did they measure them so accurately?
** how did they measure them so accurately?
** how did they get the very heavy stones uo to the top oif the pyramids?
** how did they get the very heavy stones up to the top of the pyramids?
** how long did it take to build each one?
** how long did it take to build each one?


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[[Category:Primary]]
[[Category:Primary]]
[[Category:Projects]]
[[Category:Primary Technology]]
[[Category:Topics, Projects and Tasks]]
[[Category:Toys, Puzzles and Games]]
[[Category:Manufacturing Projects]]
[[Category:Ancient Egypt]]
[[Category:Ancient Egypt]]

Latest revision as of 15:57, 11 June 2017

PyramidMarbleMaze.png


What to Make:

Design and make a marble maze puzzle based on the pyramids if Ancient Egypt.


PyramidMazeMaterials.png
What to Use:
  • Decide on size and design on squared paper or choose a piece of card between 150mm and 200mm square.
  • Choose a marble, ball bearing or bead of approx 15mm diameter.
  • Use 8mm or 12mm square stripwood to make the frames.
  • You will also need PVA wood glue to join everything together, paint and a Pritt Stick or similar with which to glue on any surface decoration.


Things to find out and think about:
  • Try out or look at any puzzles and games you are able to find which involve rolling a marble or ball bearing around - until it drops into a target hole for example.
  • Use your favourite internet Search Engine to find out about Ancient Egypt and the Great Pyramid of Giza.
  • Find out about Hieroglyphics and the Rosetta Stone as a source of possible surface decoration.
  • Measure the diameter of some marbles to find one the right size.
PyramidMazes.png


Some ideas:
  • Simple puzzles can be created within a transparent CD Case comprising a printed card (of the Great Pyramid of Giza for example), into which is punched a hole to serve as a target for a small rolling ball bearing.
  • Similar puzzles can be created for larger diameter marbles or beads by making a frame from stripwood and covering with clear plastic sheet - fixed using thin strips of Double-Sided Tape for example.
  • Cylindrical cases made to store computer CDs can be used to house 3D puzzles.


Ways of Making:
PyramidMarbleMaze2.png

Glue an outer frame around the card square leaving a space for doorway or exit for a marble, large bead or ball bearing.


Note: Use PVA wood glue.


PyramidMarbleMaze2a.png

Build a simple maze for the marble etc. checking track clearance such that the marble can roll easily round.


Note: Simple mazes work best!


PyramidMarbleMaze2b.png

Build up the outer frame to 2 stripwood thicknesses. Ensure that the marble size is less than the height of the outer frame.


Note: Overlap the corners as shown for greater strength.


PyramidMarbleMaze2c.png

Cut out a card lid the same size as the base. Decide where the ball will drop through and cut out a square.


Note: Make sure the square hole is large enough easily to allow the marble to pass through.


PyramidMarbleMaze2d.png

Continue with extra layers if needed and assemble game by joining layers together.


Note: You may wish to make the bottom layer removable in case you can’t solve the maze! (e.g. use Velcro).


PyramidMarbleMaze2e.png

Cut out 4 card Equilateral Triangles. Cut an aperture in one triangle for the ball to enter, then assemble the top pyramid by gluing them all together. Strips of masking tape on the inside can be used to help hold the triangles in place until the glue sets. You may wish to place them onto a wider base.


Note: Prepare a ‘kit’ of ready-made card triangles or draw a Square Pyramid Net, then cut out and fold.

PyramidMarbleMaze2f.png

Add other layers as you wish. They could be just hollow or more complicated mazes. Also add final touches such as entrances, painting and hieroglyphics - e.g. . . . . . below


Note: Textured masonry paint or ordinary paint mixed with a little sand or sawdust can give a realistic finish.

Testing:
  • Ask your friends to try the game.
  • Time how long it takes them to solve the puzzle the first time and then after several attempts.
  • Ask your friends to score the game out of 10 where 0 = boring and 10 = too difficult.
  • How will you change the puzzle to make it less boring or more challenging as required?


Further Work:
  • Find out how the pyramids were built:
    • who were they built for?
    • how did they measure them so accurately?
    • how did they get the very heavy stones up to the top of the pyramids?
    • how long did it take to build each one?


DT Online Buyers' Guide

Safety Point! Take great care with hot glue guns and all hot-melt glues. The melted glue can stick to the skin and cause severe burns.

Junior Hacksaw Hobby Vice Stripwood Balsawood 200gsm card coloured 300gsm card coloured Cutting Mat 10mm Squared Paper pva school wood glue Glue Gun bamboo split cane sticks natural
Junior Hacksaw Clamp-on Hobby Vice Stripwood Balsa Wood Medium card coloured Thick card coloured Cutting Mat 10mm Squared Paper PVA glue Glue Gun Bamboo Flower Sticks

Notes:

  • Choose metal cutting hacksaw blades - the teeth are small which suits this scale of work and they are safer for young children
  • School PVA glue is best for young children because it is non-toxic and washes off : PVA Wood Glue is strongest but must be used with care.
  • Try to get natural Flower Sticks or wear gloves because the green stain comes off on hands!

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