This project aims to enhance students' collaboration, critical thinking, and communication skills while engaging them in the engineering design process. By constructing marble mazes, students will integrate core content knowledge related to simple machines and force, applying these principles creatively and practically. The project's real-world context empowers students to work effectively in teams, resolve conflicts, and develop leadership roles, fostering a sense of ownership over their learning outcomes.

Students will collaboratively use the engineering design process to construct marble mazes, applying knowledge of simple machines and forces. They will enhance critical thinking and problem-solving skills by experimenting with various design approaches to create engaging mazes. Through reflective practice, students will evaluate their own learning and growth, improving communication and self-directed learning as they present their designs and overcome challenges.

During the learning experience, students will collaboratively design and construct marble mazes using LEGO bases. Each group will develop unique, innovative maze designs that incorporate elements of simple machines and force to challenge and excite peers. After peer review and feedback sessions, the mazes will be refined and prepared for the culminating exhibition. On Marble Maze Challenge Day, the students' final products will be showcased, providing an opportunity for students to demonstrate their understanding and creativity in engineering design.

Kick off the learning experience with a 'Lego Skills Bootcamp.' During this interactive session, students participate in mini-challenges that emphasize teamwork and develop crucial Lego construction skills. Use these challenges to introduce the engineering design process by having students analyze simple machines and forces in action. Facilitate a collaborative environment where groups interpret an essential question about designing a challenging yet solvable marble maze, setting the stage for deeper exploration throughout the project.

During the 'Marble Maze Challenge Day,' all student groups will exhibit their completed mazes, emphasizing the unique design aspects and solutions they developed. Each group will present their project alongside a brief explanation of their engineering design process, highlighting the innovations and obstacles they navigated during creation. Students from other classes will be invited to engage by testing the mazes and voting for their favorite designs, fostering an interactive and collaborative learning environment beyond the immediate classroom.