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Full access Geometry and mathsArt and pattern

Maze with interchangeable paths

Build a three-dimensional PLA tray with a supported deck, 25 removable walls and underside locks. Assemble three routes and guide a glass marble by tilting the board.

Age
8–12 years
Length
approx. 6 h
Level
Medium
Where you teach
Home
Purpose
Creative
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How to run this session

Stages and timing
  1. Supported base framework
  2. First panel: lengthwise layer
  3. First panel: crosswise layer
  4. Sample wall and two pins
  5. Check the fastening before making the batch
  6. Put the checked sample aside
  7. Remaining eight panels: first layer
  8. Deck: second layer of all panels
  9. Place the supported deck
  10. Join the deck from below
  11. Four outer rim panels laid flat
  12. Stand up the closed rim
  13. Weld the tray
  14. Mark the start and finish
  15. Complete the walls and pins
  16. Layout A: insert 25 walls
  17. Layout A: secure with 50 pins
  18. Complete route A
  19. Layout B: remove the marble and pins
  20. Layout B: remove the walls
  21. Layout B: insert 25 walls
  22. Layout B: secure with 50 pins
  23. Complete route B
  24. Layout C: remove the marble and pins
  25. Layout C: remove the walls
  26. Layout C: insert 25 walls
  27. Layout C: secure with 50 pins
  28. Complete route C

What gets built

Arrange your own dexterity challenge and change its route.

What it practises
  • Accurate repetition of parts and fit checks
  • Route planning and tilt control

Success criteria
  • Guide the marble from S to M without lifting it over the walls. Check turns, deck seams and empty sockets. A route exists in the graph; actual rolling and retention require a physical test.
  • Each wall has two pins, and both prevent lifting. The pins stay in place when the empty board is tilted gently. Do not turn the board over with the marble inside.
  • The finished tray is rigid, supported and flat, with a closed rim. The set contains 9 deck panels, 25 walls and 50 pins.

What you need
Filament
PLA
Colours
colour shown in the illustration, colour shown in the illustration, colour shown in the illustration, colour shown in the illustration
Also
1 × 3D pen for PLA with power supply, 1 × Flat work mat suitable for PLA, 1 × Ruler, 1 × Glass marble approximately 16 mm, 1 × Full-size 1:1 pattern prints

Files

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Version cd3bddff-99c7-411a-b083-f40b55d49844 Updated 2026-10-13

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