Traditionally (and a long time ago) the rounded tips of bufflo horns or round rocks of varying size were used in place of marbles.
Warm up
Since this is an outdoor, winter activity, have the students play an outdoor tag game in the snow such as 'Fox and Geese'.
Body
On mounds of snow, which may vary in slope, clear an area about five feet long to make a smooth surface, which may be flat or slightly bowled. If possible try to ice the surface by sprinkling lightly with water. Near the bottom of the slope, make anywhere from 6 to 12 holes. The holes may be put in rows or any other pattern and may or may not vary in size. Assign each hole or row of holes a different point value. Each 'player' will now take a turn at sliding his or her marbles from the high end of the slope, in an attempt to sink the marble into a hole. Partners will keep a tally of the number of holes a marble goes into and the accompanying point value. Points will be totaled at the end of the turn.
Culminating Activity
Each player will be given one last attempt to slide his or her marbles. Points will be tallied to see who has the greatest total for each slope used in this activity. Once this is done have all students run one lap of the field before they go in.
Assessment Strategies
Peer assessment. Creat a checklist that contains the following:
I had fun doing this activity Yes/No/Some
I had some success at this Yes/No/Some
I will try this on my own Yes/No/Maybe
Assessment Strategies
Equipment:
An equal number of marbles for each player
