GUMBALL MACHINE MAKER
STEM EXP

$41.99

Out of stock

SKU

TKM550101

Build your own gumball machine with this sweet science kit! Observe the basics of physics as your gumballs roll down the twisty ramps. Ages 6+

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Details

Feed your physics sweet tooth! Build your own gumball machine and learn some physics lessons in the process! Turn the handle to dispense a gumball and watch it perform cool stunts and tricks as it travels. Gumball machine possibilities are nearly endless with the track pieces that are included! Ages 6+

Gumball Machine Maker

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Super Sweet Science Stunts & Tricks!

Imagine this: a gumball machine meets a marble run meets a roller coaster meets a pinball machine. That's what you get with the Gumball Machine Maker! Build your own gumball machines and learn physics lessons in the process. A turn of the handle dispenses one gumball at a time out of the clear storage globe and down the track. The track is made up of different segments which can be moved around on the base of the machine to create an almost limitless number of different gumball machines.

Ages 6-12+
16-page, full-color experiment manual with assembly instructions
52 pieces
12 experiments

thames kosmos, science, STEM, educator, educational, education, learning, hands-on, kit, game

About Thames & Kosmos

Thames & Kosmos was founded in 2001 with the mission of improving informal science education outside of the classroom. T&K's mission has since expanded from its STEM roots to encompass other educational branches, including arts and crafts and games and magic. T&K places an emphasis on teaching concepts and skills through tactile processes. Our vision is to give all children access to real, physical activities and projects that teach them how things work.

Product Features

The Parts

The plastic building pieces include a variety of track segments and additional parts that can be moved around on the base of the machine to create an almost limitless number of different gumball machines. Add a pulley lift, pendulum, rubber band trampoline, dominoes, and more to get the gumballs performing all sorts of cool stunts. The storage globe with dispenser is compatible with standard machine-size, 16-mm (5/8-inch) gumballs, and the kit comes with a small supply of these gumballs to get you started!

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The Manual

The 16-page, full-color manual guides you through step-by-step illustrated instructions for assembling the base of your gumball machine as well as three unique setups using the 12 different track segments. Once you've mastered these three specific setups and have learned how the system works, you can design, build, and test your own configurations! Trial-and-error experiments teach in a fun, hands-on way: When you try a new design, will your gumball make it to the end of the track, or will you have to reengineer it to make it work? Can you make a gumball machine in which the gumballs make it to the bottom every single time they are dispensed?

features

The Stunts & Tricks

The real fun of this kit is in the stunts and tricks the gumballs can perform! Add pieces like a pendulum, pulley cups, funnel, trampoline, pinball launcher, and domino track to your machine to see these wacky stunts in action. Each segment of the track offers a new stunt and teaches a different lesson in physics, allowing users to explore topics including force, motion, momentum, gravity, energy, simple machines, and more. After you've built your gumball machine, a turn of the handle dispenses one gumball at a time out of the clear plastic storage globe and down the tracks. The gumballs lands in a collection cup and can easily and sanitarily be returned to the globe for another run.

machines

Educational Value

Gumball Physics: Explore STEM Lessons with a Gumball Machine?!

That's right! Gumball Machine Maker has everything to do with Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math! Each track and stunt offers an opportunity to explore different scientific concepts. The manual takes a close look at these principles, providing detailed and easy-to-understand explanations of what's going on and how it relates to our understanding of physics and engineering. Below is an overview of some of the tracks and the principles they demonstrate and explore:

The 180-degree smooth track demonstrates mass, gravity, speed, and velocity.
The momemtum trap track demonstrates inertia, elastic collision, and inelastic collision.
The variable-slope track is an example of a simple machine, and demonstrates work and energy (potential and kinetic).
The centripetal force funnel demonstrates rotational inertia.
The pendulum attachment demonstrates equilibrium and center of mass.

Tech Support

We're Here!

Thames & Kosmos is committed to providing quality products that users can enjoy and learn from for a long time. Our team is available to troubleshoot any problems that may arise while using our kits, and replacement parts are also available. Should you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to let us know. We love our products and want you to have the best possible experience with them!

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