Preview draft. Activities have not been tested with caregivers.
Science · The activity desk
Big ball ramp lab
Build a shallow cardboard ramp and compare how a large ball rolls.
Let's play →
A little plan for play
Open interactive activity →Add to play journal →What you need
A broad piece of clean cardboard, one sturdy low book, and a large soft age-appropriate ball.
Age: 3–5 years; choose for the individual child.
Stay with the child throughout. Check the space and supplies, including anything within reach of younger siblings. Skip any activity that is unsuitable. Stop if a child puts non-food material in their mouth or becomes distressed. Use intact books, full sheets of paper, a large child-appropriate crayon and a clean, dry towel. Follow product labels; remove torn paper and keep broken crayons and caps away from children. Adult handles and stores supplies.
Set up: An adult checks the cardboard for staples and sharp edges, clears a level floor space, and rests one end of the cardboard on the book.
Adult's role: Hold the ramp and book steady, retrieve the ball, and stay beside the child.
Let's make it happen
- Place the ball at the upper end of the ramp and let it roll down gently.
- Ask the adult to lower the ramp by resting it directly on the floor, then roll the ball again.
- Compare how the ball moves and try one more gentle slope together.
Make it simpler: Watch the adult release the ball and point to where it stops.
Clean up: Put away the ball, cardboard, and book and clear the floor.
Use a large ball with no loose parts. Keep the ramp low and the play area clear of stairs, faces, and pets.