A handmade PythagoraSwitch video. A collection of my DIY Pythagora devices.

U-shaped magnet

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We start learning about the invisible force of magnets—magnetic force—from third grade in elementary school.

You were probably fascinated by familiar scientific phenomena like the N and S poles and the iron filings that magnets attract.

So it might be fun to try using a U-shaped magnet in various ways.

Its biggest appeal is that it can flip the direction of a straight line with a quick twist.

Use it cleverly as an accent—or even a big highlight—in a PythagoraSwitch-style setup, which often features straight-line motion.

Also, making use of magnetism itself—whose effects can be unpredictable—could be a refreshing and original angle.

We’re looking forward to a groundbreaking idea that would surprise even the creators of the original PythagoraSwitch!

Kururin Ride

My homemade PythagoraSwitch machine: “Kururin Boarding”

PythagoraSwitch often leaves a strong impression of marbles rolling the whole time, but sometimes the moving object changes partway through.

For example, bottles, pencils, and dominoes can start moving—and when it all comes back to the marble again, what a delight! There still seems to be plenty of room for ingenuity in mechanisms that swap the moving object for cars or wheels.

A single tire rolling makes for a great visual, and the sight of both wheels, including the axle, tumbling along is equally amusing.

If the object keeps transforming—from a marble to a wheel, then back to a marble—the surprise would be all the greater.

Scenes where the moving object changes and moving cars or tires take center stage could be wonderful too.

Plarail

Pythagora Device with Plarail #1 Pitagora Switch

Do you know the toy “Pitagora Goal No.

1” that uses the exact same “Pitagora Switch” sound effect you hear at the goal on the show? I wonder if there are already fans using it.

This “Pitagora Goal No.

1” seems to be made of a material that pairs well with Plarail, so it might be a good idea to incorporate Plarail into your Pitagora Switch contraptions.

Just thinking about it a bit, lots of ideas come to mind: having it carry marbles, give marbles a push, or using Plarail to start a line of dominoes.

Plarail tracks are handy in all sorts of ways, too—so if you have Plarail, definitely give it a try!

daily necessities

Fun activities you can do at home! Top 5 everyday items perfect for a Pythagora Switch-style Rube Goldberg machine

The wildly popular PythagoraSwitch never fails to impress with its stream of inventive ideas and sharp points of focus.

Everyday household items often appear in PythagoraSwitch.

For anyone trying their hand at building a PythagoraSwitch-style contraption, they’re basically essential.

For example, toilet paper and its cardboard tube can be used in countless ways—rolling the roll itself, or sending a marble through the tube.

You can also use disposable chopsticks: place two side by side to make rails for marbles or balls.

Beyond that, try starting with familiar items like books, tissues, pencils, and more—experiment with whatever you have around you!

stair return

Karakuri Workshop #3: “Staircase Return” (Pythagora How-To)

This is a Pythagora-style contraption that’s fun for its stairway return, made with 54 Jenga pieces, 30 clothespins, colored pencils, paper clips, a word-card ring (flashcards), toothpicks, and more.

First, build a staircase with two Jenga blocks per step.

Next, remove one Jenga block from every other step and insert two colored pencils in its place.

Then line up flashcards clipped with clothespins along the stairs, and at the turnaround point, set up a flashcard fitted with a clipped clothespin, a paper clip, and a toothpick with the tip cut off as a handle.

The clothespins absorb minor misalignments and give you a satisfying domino effect!

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