Rube Goldberg

Making your own Rube Goldberg Machine... Making something to solve a problem.

(Just like this OK GO! Video)


Practice: PLAY THIS!





Video & Discussion... THEN!

Assignment: CREATING A RUBE GOLDBERG MACHINE out of :

'up-cycled' materials,

with at least 3 (online) or 6 (in person) different simple machines,

& 4-8 identified different energy changes (think CAGETERMS)


ASK:

Step 1. You will be working individually or in partners.

You will be fulfilling the following roles:

Illustrator – This group member will be responsible for doing the drawing of the invention.

Writer – This group member will be responsible for writing a brief description of the invention.

Editor – This group member will be responsible for labeling the simple machines on the design drawing AND will check to make sure that the group is using the correct simple machines.



Step 2.

You need to create a machine that will solve a problem from the given list:

  • Put a bottle in a bin/tub

  • Water a plant

  • Shut a door

  • Turn something on or off (a light, a radio, an alarm)

  • Ring a bell

  • Break an egg

  • Make a ball go into a hole

  • Pop a balloon

  • Fire a projectile

      • You CAN receive Extra Credit if you incorporate 2+ problems to solve (2pts for initial extra, 1pt for every problem after that)

Decide which problem you will solve before moving on.




IMAGINE:

Step 3.

Consider all your possible ideas that could possibly solve your chosen problem.

Using what you already know about simple machines, energy, and Newton's laws, do some research online to start gathering ideas for several possible solutions.

  • They can be funny.

  • They should use everyday objects and/or recycled objects

  • They should be well-constructed.

  • Must use a minimum of :

    • 3 simple machines

    • 4 changes of energy

    • All of Newton's Laws

In the Google Doc assigned in Google Classroom, list out several ideas that could work.

Choose which would be the BEST solution - why is it the best?

Consider: time, materials, abilities, etc.




PLAN:

Step 4.

Create a detailed sketch of the invention (like Goldberg's cartoons).

For this sketch, Use a pencil in case you need to make changes.

Next, label the simple machines directly on the design drawing. Also, be sure to double check that the correct simple machines are being used by referring back to the Simple Machines Chart (Google Classroom resource).

Take a CLEAR picture of your drawing and upload into the Google Doc.


Step 5.

Create a title/name for your Machine and make a video (to turn in to Google Classroom) that explains your process up until this point.


Step 6.

Figure out & list how many parts/pieces you will need. Begin to gather your parts for your machine.

Once you have all necessary parts, check in with the teacher about your design and parts.



CREATE & TEST:

Step 7. Time to build it! Store your work somewhere safe to ensure nothing happens to it between worktimes.

This will be a challenging project without exact directions- be patient & be persistent!


Step 8. Test your project. Look for PRO's and CON's while testing.

If it doesn't work, what is the problem? How do you solve it?

Ask yourself: Would a different material/distance/location/simple machine work better?



IMPROVE:

Step 9. Fix any issues and improve your design. (Over and over and over!...)

Step 10. We will be showing & discussing your designs, and strategies in class in front of a Shark Tank-like panel of judges.



RUBRIC:

Rube Goldberg Rubric