Rube Goldberg Project

What is a Rube Goldberg Device? Rube Goldberg drew contraptions that make simple tasks into difficult and complicated ones.

Examples goldberg-machines/ goldberg-machines/

The Rube Goldberg Project Challenge: –You must design & build a Rube Goldberg Device that has 10 steps. You must incorporate at least 3 out of 6 simple machines (wheel & axle, pulley, screw, inclined plane, wedge, and lever.)

Specifications CHALLENGE: Put coins in a bank. Work with at least one partner, no more than 5 in a group. You choose the steps & materials Minimum 10 steps Must be repeatable (reset & run again) Must be brought into class (size limit) Should not spend any money, use stuff from around the house

Project Expectations This project has three parts: –Blueprint –Build –Presentation

Task #1 Blue Print Create a detailed blueprint (cartoon drawing) of your machine on poster size paper. Number & explain each step of your machine. Also, clearly list the simple machines that you used. Simple Machines: lever, inclined plane, wheel and axle, screw, wedge, pulley.

Task #2 Build the Device Construct a Rube Goldberg machine which utilizes three simple machines, and consists of ten steps. Your machine must put coins in a bank of your choosing. The opening to the bank can be no larger than 3” x 3” (same size as a Post-It Note) There can be no human assistance in the process once the machine begins.

Task #2 Build the device The machine must be self-contained. In other words, if you are turning on a light switch, you will not be allowed to use the classroom's light, so you must bring in your own light and switch. Do not use the table or other furniture in the room for your contraption. It must sit on top of the table or on the floor.

Task #2 The classroom chairs, desks, and tables can’t be essential to your project. In other words, if we took your project to the next room, it would work the same. Also, you cannot be part of the machine. For example, you can’t hold pulleys in the air. They must be attached.

Possible Materials string, mousetrap, paper tube, spools, marbles, Legos, dominoes, tinker-toys, Barbie dolls, hot wheels, weights (sinkers), golf balls, Ping-Pong balls You can check out pulleys, and limited other materials from the teacher, which may need to be shared with other groups, and therefore, need to stay available in the classroom.

Task #3 Presentations You will explain & present your machine to the class. You will then show how your machine works. BTW your machine may be videotaped!

FAQ May I work alone? –No, you must work in a small group of 2 to 5 people. What happens if I am absent? –Being absent does not excuse you from the project. Have a friend bring the project to school for you. You will still be expected to work on your project during class time. How do I get a daily grade? –Stay on task, no wandering, no being reminded to stay on task = A –Talk to once = C –Have to be reminded more than once a day = F

Blueprint Scoring Rubric 50pts. = Detailed & completely labeled project, all steps are labeled & explained, all simple machines are labeled. Neat, & Legible 40pts. = Completely labeled project, 90% of steps are labeled & explained, all simple machines are labeled 30pts. = Project Is mostly labeled & explained, all steps are labeled & explained, all simple machines are labeled 20pts. = Project Labels are incomplete, or unclear

Machine Scoring 1.No human assistance 20 pts. 2.Attempts to complete a task 20 pts. 3.At least 10 steps involved 20 pts. 4.Uses at least 3 different simple machines 30pts. 5.Quality/Neatness 20pts. 6.Creativity 30 pts. TOTAL = 150 PTS.

Total Project Scoring Blueprint Score = 50 Machine Score = 150 pts. Presentation to class = 50 pts. PROJECT TOTAL = 250 pts.