Geomaze - a Puzzle That's Never Solved

I've been home schooled for most of my life, so the things I know (math, science, art, writing, socials, etc) were taught to me by my mom or online programs. I don't really remember any math lessons, but I do remember the geoboard (Here's one I found online that you can try!). It was this plastic thing with rungs sticking out of it that you'd loop rubber bands on to make shapes. Those were the days...

What's that in the first picture? That's some really nice fresh grass being covered by a geoboard with nails and rubber bands, which is a maze and is configurable, and fits in a box that can be slipped into a bag and taken anywhere.

Yeah, I like the grass too! Too bad that's not what we're making...

Supplies

To make the maze you'll need:

- A wooden box with a separate lid (Any size!)

- A bag of rainbow loom rubber bands

- A sheet of hardboard, which you can get at Home Depot for about 2 bucks

- A hammer

- A band saw

- 3/4" wire nails

- A ruler

- A triangle tool.

Sizing

To figure out the size of your maze, take the lid of you box and a piece of paper. Fold the paper until it fits snugly in the box. This is approximately the size of your maze base.

Trace + Cut

Trace the paper onto the hardboard. Cut this out for your maze base! Make sure it fits nicely into the box lid.

Measuring

Okay, here comes the confusing part.
The spaces between your legs will be 1 inch wide, so fit as many inches as possible from your ruler onto the short edge of the hardboard. The little space left should be equal on both side (for example, I had 5 inches that could fit on the board, and about 3 millimeters left on both sides.) Mark the inches, which is where we'll put the nails.

It's Hammering Time!

Now for the step we've all been waiting for!
Grab that hammer, and pound the nails into the marks. This will help you line up your other nails!

Hammering Time Part 2!

Now, use the triangle to line up the corner nail to the other corner, and make marks every 1 inch. Hammer nails down the row, and use these marking nails to place the other nails!

Fin

You've done it! That grueling process of 30 minutes and that sacrifice of 8 bucks! But it was worth it.
HOW TO USE: (Read these instructions CAREFULLY!)
1. String the rubber bands onto the board to make a maze.
2. Play! I use it by placing a marble in the maze somewhere, and rolling it to "the end", which can be anywhere. This can also be used for other things (for example, a geoboard, of course). Use your imagination!

Thanks for viewing this instructable! It was fun to build, and I hope to sell them at a craft fair!

'Bye!
zakbobdop