Setup Guides for STEM Learning Labs

Everything to help you get started

Setting up a Blu Track® learning experience for students is quick and somewhat universal. Once you have the basics down, simply modify for the concepts to be focused on.

Key Points in Starting All Blu Track® Races and Learning Labs

Preparation

If the track has been in storage for awhile, roll the opposite direction and then lay flat prior to setting up lessons

Location

Select a safe and secure starting spot so the track has enough drop for the experiment to be successful (think potential energy)

Stability

Anchor the track to stabilize in position (the more the track moves, the more energy is being lost)

Speed

Use a natural curve in the track to optimize car or marble speed

Basic Setup for STEM Track Learning Lab

6-Foot Edu Track

Track Setup # 1

Using suction cup or own removable hook

The advantage of this set up is the natural drop of the track. Cars will travel faster following this angle/curve of the track.

Place suction cup/hook at approximately 24 inches above table/floor
Attach track hanger and let drop
To track, attach anchor bars just past curve and middle, then to table/floor with painter’s tape
Add 10 inch insert at the end of the track
Add stopper (book, binder, water bottle, etc.) at the end of the track to help maintain the stability and longevity of the cars

Place suction cup/hook at approximately 24 inches above table/floor
Attach track hanger and let drop
To track, attach anchor bars just past curve and middle, then to table/floor with painter’s tape
Add 10 inch insert at the end of the track
Add stopper (book, binder, water bottle, etc.) at the end of the track to help maintain the stability and longevity of the cars

6-Foot Edu Track

Track Setup # 2

Using books/weighted box for track to lean against

The advantage is that you can set up anywhere. No matter if your lab is located in the middle of a classroom or in a gym away from walls.

For the set up, place the book/weighted box at the end of the table/floor/play space
Add inserts to the middle channel of the track: at the top place 2 blue inserts in track. Add 1 white one on top of those covering the connection point. Add 1 white insert at the end of the track
Lean track against books/weighted box
As shown, attach anchor bars to track and then to table with painter’s tape
Add stopper at the end of the track to help maintain stability and longevity of cars

For the set up, place the book/weighted box at the end of the table/floor/play space
Add inserts to the middle channel of the track: at the top place 2 blue inserts in track. Add 1 white one on top of those covering the connection point. Add 1 white insert at the end of the track
Lean track against books/weighted box
As shown, attach anchor bars to track and then to table with painter’s tape
Add stopper at the end of the track to help maintain stability and longevity of cars

18 & 25-Foot Edu Track

Track Setup # 1

From a Wall, Window, Stationary Whiteboard, Etc.

For the set up, choose the starting height of the race. A height of 5 feet generally works well. Decide how to optimize your space and how to effectively use the hanger pad: with a suction cup, a removable hook, a piece of cord/string, with weights or books on top, etc.
Unroll the track. Pull slightly to adjust for the natural curve.
Attach an anchor bar to the track and then to the floor/surface with painters' tape so the curve is smooth. Typically the vertical distance to the hanger pad and the horizontal distance to the anchor bar are similar.
If the surface is tile or cement, consider placing a rug underneath the track where the cars will be released to help maintain the stability and longevity of the cars.
Have students test different vehicles and items in a straight race. It is helpful for students to keep the track anchor in place and move the rest of the track to test their creativity and design ideas.
Once they see how the vehicles move along the track, have them experiment with boxes and books to make a hill, move the item(s) to change where the hill is, challenge them to twist and turn the track to make a loop, etc.
For more specific concept learning, please see the teaching guide for more specific instructions as well as tips for creating various track designs.

For the set up, choose the starting height of the race. A height of 5 feet generally works well. Decide how to optimize your space and how to effectively use the hanger pad: with a suction cup, a removable hook, a piece of cord/string, with weights or books on top, etc.
Unroll the track. Pull slightly to adjust for the natural curve.
Attach an anchor bar to the track and then to the floor/surface with painters' tape so the curve is smooth. Typically the vertical distance to the hanger pad and the horizontal distance to the anchor bar are similar.
If the surface is tile or cement, consider placing a rug underneath the track where the cars will be released to help maintain the stability and longevity of the cars.
Have students test different vehicles and items in a straight race. It is helpful for students to keep the track anchor in place and move the rest of the track to test their creativity and design ideas.
Once they see how the vehicles move along the track, have them experiment with boxes and books to make a hill, move the item(s) to change where the hill is, challenge them to twist and turn the track to make a loop, etc.
For more specific concept learning, please see the teaching guide for more specific instructions as well as tips for creating various track designs.

Additional Tips

If you have extra length for your space, keep the end coiled up as way to help hold the track in place and to softly stop your races.
When the goal is to enhance and encourage creativity and innovation, have students use typical items in new ways to provide structure to their track designs.
Our Blu Track® Inserts fit the Edu middle channel. These flexible and rigid inserts were specifically engineered to provide added support to our track and assist with data collection and repeatability with experiments. For younger students, math concepts such as measurement and fractions come to life.
Blu Track® can be a great interactive tool for school family nights, STEM clubs or STEM nights, Lego teams, or field days (kids race the car they start or turn the track into a putt putt golf challenge).