Rube Goldberg Machines

Goal: Learn who Rube Goldberg was through a guided inquiry & build small group Rube Goldberg Machines

Standards:

  • Access Prior Knowledge
  • Questioning: RT and PHAT (Pretty hard and tough)
  • Developing and Using Key Words
  • Selecting best sources
  • Citing sources-When to site
  • Notetaking

My Prep Work:

  • Set up research template in google classroom
  • Set up questioning padlet
  • Preview databases and websites for student success

Day 1:

  • Brainstorm what is already known about Rube Goldberg-on own google doc
  • Develop questions as a class based on what we want to know-Padlet
  • Begin reading about Rube Goldberg only in Britannica and answer RT questions on the padlet
  • Model and review how to read for information!

Day 2:

  • Look back at questions we answered from our Day 1 reading
  • Discuss when we need to cite sources!
  • Review plagiarism and add EasyBib to google doc.
  • Review how to use EasyBib using Britannica article
  • Begin developing our own questions based on our recent background knowledge.

Day 3:

  • Use only databases to answer own questions
  • Again, model how to read for information
  • Show examples of great note-taking

Day 4:

  • Watch Honda and Audri Rube Goldberg machines as a class
  • Immerse in many Rube Goldberg machines from my web page
  • Practice by giving each table a car, dominoes, and marbles, tubes, Zoob, Keva planks...
  • Just Build!

Day 5:

  • Explain Rube Goldberg Challenges.
  • Divide into groups of 3.
  • As a class, decide what The Rube Goldberg machine needs to do-ideas and vote
  • Outline parameters:
    • 2016-2017 Goal-TURN THE PAGE OF A BOOK (A Withdrawn Book!) OR LAUNCH A BALL INTO A BASKET
    • Groups of 3-5
      • Your Rube Goldberg Machine MUST…
    • have at least three chain reaction steps
    • begin with the Lego Wedo Kicker Foot
    • include one inclined plane
    • include one blind tunnel
    • include the use of Keva Planks

Day 6:

  • Strictly a planning and designing day

Day 7, 8, 9:

  • Building days

Day 10:

  • Test Rube Goldberg machines for classmates-get feedback.

Day 11:

  • Rework based on testing and feedback.

Day 12:

  • Share with 4th grade classes.

Day 13:

  • Reflect on work.