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What is a Rube Goldberg Machine
What is a Rube Goldberg Machine
A Rube Goldberg Machine is a machine built utilizing many moving components to perform a relatively simple end result. Each step triggers the next, causing a chain reaction. The Rube Goldberg Machine is named after American cartoonist, Rube Goldberg. Goldberg was known for including overly complex contraptions designed to complete simple tasks in his cartoons. For this reason, people began to call this style of machine, Rube Goldberg.
How We Applied Formulas
How We Applied Formulas
Velocity - Velocity is measured by dividing the distance by the time in m/s.
We used the formula for velocity in our project in the third step. We found that our marble had a velocity of .67 m/s down our second inclined plane.
Acceleration - Acceleration is measured by dividing the velocity by the time.
We used this formula in our second step. We found that as the marble travels down the inclined plane it has an acceleration of .81 m/s2.
Force - Force is measured by multiplying mass and acceleration.
We used this formula in our first step. We found that the force of the wedge upon the marble was .25 Newtons.
Work - Work is measured by multiplying force and distance.
We did not use this equation in our project. However, I learned that Work is equal to the change in Kinetic Energy and Potential Energy. For example, if you raise an object higher (work) the PE raises and if you drop said object (work), the PE falls whilst the KE rises.
Potential Energy - Potential Energy is measured by multiplying mass, gravity, and height.
We used this formula in our fourth step, our lever. We found that the Potential Energy of the marble in its position on the lever was .0023 Joules.
Kinetic Energy - Kinetic Energy is measured by dividing the mass of the object by 2 multiplied by its velocity squared.
We used this formula in our tenth step, our pulley. We found that the Kinetic Energy of the marble striking the bottom of our cup was .0004 Joules.
Mechanical Advantage - Mechanical Advantage Ideal is measured by dividing the distance of the effort by the distance of the load.
We used this formula in our tenth step, as well. We found that the Mechanical Advantage Ideal of the marble spinning around our screw was 4.375.
Simple Machines - All five of our simple machines in order are as follows: Wedge, Inclined Plane, Lever, Pulley, and Screw. During this project, I learned that a wedge exerts a force on a marble that is simply sitting on it. These were all used to help us with our formulas.
Evidence of Work
My group, Nathan, Bella, and I were given the task of creating our own Rube Goldberg Machine to ultimately present to a panel of judges. Our first assignment was to decide upon a story for our project. I came up with the idea of a space-themed machine. The story goes, an astronaut (symbolized by a marble) is heading to the moon to raise a flag and once there, an alien (also symbolized by a marble) chases the astronaut to Earth. Once on Earth, the alien gives the flag back to the astronaut. After making the finishing touches to our story, my group, Nathan, Bella, and I picked out a 4x4 board to be the backdrop of our machine.
Soon after we picked out our board, we decided to draw graph lines to better visualize where everything was to be screwed on. The second build day was comprised of brainstorming and the building of a stand for our board. During the next few building days, we contributed most of our energy to screwing in inclined planes and beginning testing our marbles. On the sixth build day we added our screw and began work on our lever and two pulleys. On the seventh build day, continued our work on our pulleys and lever. On the eighth build day, we began work on our slideshow and continued our work on the lever, pulley, and screw. The last build day was comprised of finalizing the slideshow and our board, then we helped other groups finish their projects. Bella and I also came in the next Saturday to paint our backdrop. On the 29th of September, my group and I presented our project to the panel of judges.
Construction Log
Construction Log
During each build day, we refined, tested, and experimented to find the optimal design for our project.
Original Blueprint and Final Blueprint
Original Blueprint and Final Blueprint
Original
Original
Final
Final
The major differences from the first blueprint to the final blueprint are the wedge being in the beginning of our marble run and having pieces of wood after the first inclined plane and next to the pulley so the marble would not fly off our board.
Reflection
Reflection
As the first project of our year, it came as no surprise that it was a hectic one. My group and I worried about due dates, hurried to screw in ramps, and quickly assembled our slideshow. That being said there were a few specific places in which I believe that I thrived as a group member. Firstly, my collaboration, I believe that I helped everyone find the best thing for them to focus on at that time. For example, while Bella was working on the pulleys, Nathan and I were working on the lever. Secondly, being a conscientious learner, I believe that I was open to new ideas from my groupmates. For example, when Bella suggested having weights already in the pulley so as to allow the pulley to flow easier I was open to trying it out.
Now for the areas where I felt that I could have done better as a groupmate. Firstly, my communication, I like to take a leadership role in projects so I may come off as bossy to some. During the project, I had to tell myself multiple times to calm down and let my groupmates make decisions for the team. For example, when Bella was painting, I let her decide what she wanted and see if it needed any tweaks instead of telling her what I wanted and asking her if she wanted anything different. Secondly, I want to focus more on staying on task for the entire duration of the period. There were times when I would just drift off for a minute and I want to make sure that next time I spend the full period focusing and working.
Overall, I really enjoyed this project, especially the amount of hands-on work we did. I haven't done a project that included power tools before (except in my dad's woodshop) so it was exciting, to say the least. If I had to pick I would say that my favorite aspect of this project was actually building something that had a purpose. I am excited about our next project in STEM.
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