Rube Goldberg

Design and Build a Rube Goldberg Machine

DUE MONDAY APRIL 7th 

Now that you have investigated and learned about how energy transfer occurs through collisions, it’s time for you to apply your science understanding to solve a problem or meet a need (aka engineering). This engineering investigation will give you an opportunity to find out how Rube Goldberg machines work. Then, you will design and build your own using ONLY materials you can find at home. 

Rules: 

1. You must set up at least four collisions that will result in accomplishing a simple task. You can only use the materials you have at home. 

2. You must finish your Rube Goldberg by April 7th 

3. SAFETY Requirement: You MUST get approval from your teacher or parent/guardian to use the materials you’ve selected. 

Procedures: 

1. Think about a simple task that you want to accomplish by setting up a set of chain reactions.  (AT LEAST 5 ENERGY TRANSFERS)

2. Collect the materials that you want to use for your Rube Goldberg device. 

3. Sketch your design. Be sure to label the materials you are using as well as the reaction that each collision will cause. 

4. Build your Rube Goldberg.

5. Test your design. Make careful observations about the “fail points” (the places that the collisions don’t work). Record your data. 

6. Make revisions to your design. 

7. Continue testing and redesigning until your Rube Goldberg works. Keep careful records about what you change and why. 

8. Take pictures or video of your Rube Goldberg and email to Mrs. Adams: diana.adams@k12.hi.us 

9. A copy of your design plan, observations, and data must also be submitted in Google Classroom ...OR to Mrs. Adams' email ...OR written on paper and turned in at school. 

**In Google Classroom** Click on the assignment and then click on the "Add or Create" button. You can use Slides or make a Google Doc. 

Have fun!