Young children engage in reasoning about physics when they try to figure out how to achieve an exciting result by building structures with pathways for marbles and other objects that roll. The Regents' Center for Early Developmental Education has been involved with researching and implementing Ramps and Pathways in early childhood classrooms for several years.  

In 2006 the Regents' Center for Early Developmental Education was awarded a grant from the National Science Foundation to develop an approach to physical science curriculum for young children (pre-K though grade 2) that will result in improved science achievement, particularly among minority children and children from lower-income backgrounds.

Zan, B. & Geiken, R. (2010). Ramps and pathways: Developmentally appropriate, intellectually rigorous, and fun physical science. Young Children, 65 (1), 12-17.