GraviTrax Trampoline Extension Review: An Amazing Gravity-Bounce STEM Toy Experience
GraviTrax is a toy from Germany that helps children learn computer-based thinking.
This educational toy uses gravity, magnetism, and power to create your own original course and drive the ball towards the goal.
Among them, the "Trampoline" extension part is a special part that lets you experience the excitement of the moment when the ball bounces up, defying gravity.
In this article, we will thoroughly explain the appeal and uses of trampoline parts through the voices of actual players and detailed functional analysis.
Game Basics
The GraviTrax Trampoline is an innovative toy that combines creativity and physics learning for ages 8 and up.
- Ages: 8+
- Number of players: 1 or more (can be enjoyed cooperatively with family or friends)
- Play time: No limit (free to create courses and experiment)
- Manufacturer: Ravensburger
The trampoline is a GraviTrax component that allows a ball to bounce when dropped from above.
The ball falls from a tile higher than the trampoline, and if it hits the trampoline high enough, it will bounce up onto another tile in front of it.
Trampoline set contents
- Trampoline body: 2 pieces
- 2 green angled height tiles (for adjusting bounce direction)
The trampoline has a mesh fixed to the top, providing a highly resilient surface for the ball to bounce easily.
Unlike other expansion parts, the trampoline cannot be connected to a rail, so it is used by dropping a ball from a high tile.
The appeal of GraviTrax trampolines
Introducing a one-of-a-kind toy experience, created with gravity-defying movement and precision design.
Gravity-defying exhilaration
Defying gravity and sending the ball bouncing spectacularly off the trampoline is the true joy of GraviTrax .
My son actually had a lot of fun dropping balls onto the trampoline one after the other and watching them bounce all over the place.
The "upward movement" that cannot be experienced with normal ball rolling is created, greatly expanding the possibilities for course design.
The surprise of seeing the ball take an unexpected trajectory and the sense of accomplishment when it hits the target are exceptional.
The joy of challenging yourself through precision
If the ball does not have enough incoming speed, it may get stuck on the trampoline.
The trampoline's position also needs to be very precise, otherwise the ball may not fall correctly.
This "precision" is the core of what makes trampoline parts so interesting.
Surprisingly, the ball doesn't always roll the way you imagine it, and it may derail or stop along the way.
However, after trying out different combinations of parts, when the ball rolls down the course just as you expected, you'll feel an overwhelming sense of accomplishment !
Infinite combination patterns
With sufficient entry speed, multiple trampolines can be used in succession.
Imagine a ball bouncing from one trampoline to the next, tracing a spectacular circus-like trajectory.
The included green angled height tiles can be combined with the trampoline to change the direction of the bouncing ball.
If the change in direction is rapid, multiple angled height tiles may be required per trampoline.
Improving the strategic nature of course design
Trampolines are often used on complex tracks, allowing for a variety of unique tricks and effects.
However, it can be difficult to integrate due to the precision required to get the ball to bounce off the trampoline in the correct direction.
This "difficulty of integration" is actually what greatly improves the strategic nature of course design.
It can be surprisingly difficult to create an original course successfully at first, so it's a good idea to start by creating a course that is introduced in the instructions.
Concerns and solutions
We will introduce the challenges and solutions for effectively utilizing trampoline parts.
Precision installation required
Problem: The trampoline's position also needs to be very precise, otherwise the ball may not fall correctly.
Solution: It is important to start with the sample course provided in the instructions to get a feel for proper trampoline placement.
If you play around with it according to the instructions, you will get the hang of it.
Once you get the hang of it, try making your own original course! It'll be even more fun if you can do that!
The ball flies to an unexpected place
Problem: Stunt pieces like pivoting trampolines are completely random in where they send the ball, so they often pick up the ball from the floor, under the couch, etc.
Solution: Initially, you can address this by creating boundaries and ensuring there is enough space to play.
Once you get used to it, you'll enjoy the challenge of targeting other pieces, such as the Vortex.
This isn't always easy or possible, but that difficulty is part of the appeal.
Recommended for these people and occasions
GraviTrax is a versatile toy that can be enjoyed by people of all ages and can be used in a variety of situations.
Families interested in STEM education
You can experience and learn about the fields of STEM education (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics).
This is a valuable teaching material that allows children to learn about the laws of physics through hands-on experience, making it ideal for families who want to foster an interest in science and engineering fields in the future.
Families who want to enjoy cooperative play
My sons always end up fighting when they play board games, and what should be fun always turns into chaos.
However, GraviTrax is not a competitive course , but an original course created in collaboration with his second son, who is in the fourth grade of elementary school.
We tried to assemble the course so that all three balls would meet at the same goal. It's fun to work together as a family to create a course like this.
An environment that fosters concentration and creativity
With a wide variety of gimmicks and a system that allows for a lot of play, most of the fun in GraviTrax actually comes from building the track , rather than just watching the ball take different paths for a few seconds.
An environment that can be enjoyed by people of all ages
My 5 year old grandson can set it up and enjoy it with help and is starting to learn to set it up himself without help.
On the other hand, even I, an old guy, found myself getting absorbed in the game (lol), and it has a depth that adults can enjoy as well.
Expected effects
- Improve logical thinking skills
- Developing problem-solving skills through trial and error
- Promoting understanding of the laws of physics
- Strengthening family cooperation
- Developing creativity and imagination
The GraviTrax trampoline extension is more than just a toy; it's a valuable learning tool.
Once you get the hang of it and your success rate with your original course increases, you may start to feel that the starter set is not enough.
At times like this, you'll definitely want additional parts.
It is this sense of dissatisfaction that creates the motivation to continue learning.
The gravity-defying trajectory of the ball will surely take your creativity to new heights.
Check the product on the online store page
Free shipping throughout Japan. Orders placed before 3pm will be shipped the same day.
Reference source/quote source
- GraviTrax - Interactive track system from Ravensburger
- [Review] I bought GraviTrax! [A STEM toy that adults will love] | Ayumi Media
- GraviTrax: Toys: Hyakumachimori
- GraviTrax is super fun! You'll want extra parts!
- Trampoline (part) | Gravitrax Wiki
- GraviTrax Vs. Q-Ba-Maze 2.0: Comparing Next Generation Marble Runs