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Rube Goldberg Machine Example
Tips:
Use your Management Processes learned during the unit
Planning: Develop the input, steps, and end goal of the machine
Organizing: Find the best ways to sequence steps
Actuating: Assign steps to individuals (recommend 2 steps per person)
Controlling: At the beginning of each work day check in with partners to see what progress the have made
Develop a few backup steps for when a step doesn't work with the first design.
Save the aesthetics for after you build the machine; It's much more time efficient to work around what you've built.
Overview:
The idea behind Rube Goldberg Machines started as a comic strip and was named after inventor and cartoonist Reuben Lucius “Rube” Goldberg. In essence, it is an overly complicated series of machines that accomplish a very simple task. Rube Goldberg Machines are not meant to be practical, but to be humorous and entertain people. There are plenty of examples in TV shows, movies, and online to gather ideas from.
Problem Statement/Description:
Develop a Rube Goldberg machine to accomplish a simple, everyday task and entertain the class as it operates.
Requirements:
Able to be set up in less than 3 minutes
Fits stably on the front cart. Overhang is allowed. Cart dimensions
Width - 30 in
Length - 22 in
Must have 2 steps per group member
A step is considered new when there is a transfer of energy to a different object
Ex. Marble rolls down a ramp and hits a popsicle stick lever = 2 steps
Ex. Marble rolls down a ramp and hits another marble = 2 steps
Use at least 3 different simple machines
Only one human input to start the machine
Triggers something at the end of the machine - determined by team
WOW Factor - Keep the class entertained while it is running!
Have Fun!
Materials:
Any materials available in class
Any hobby supplies you choose to bring from home
Peg boards created specifically for this project -- helps increase verticality quickly
Useful Resources
Useful Resources
Paper Roller Coaster Parts
The templates from the Paper Roller Coaster project you will complete in 2nd year are useful for this project. You can use them as tracks for marbles or other devices to roll down. The parts and instructions to build them are linked below.
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