Rube Goldberg Project

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

Examples http://autorepair.about.com/library/multimedia/hhonda-ad-300k.swf http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lCYg_gz4fDo http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VAiwHfEeQW8

The Rube Goldberg Project Goal: You must design & build a Rube Goldberg Device that has 10 steps. You must incorporate at least 5 out of 6 simple machines (wheel & axle, pulley, screw, inclined plane, wedge, and lever.)

This project has Four parts: Project Expectations This project has Four parts: Blueprint Build Device Present Device in Class Project write-up

Rules The end result is to fill a cup Work with one partner from your class You chose the steps & materials Minimum 10 steps Must be repeatable (reset & run again) Must be brought into class (size limit) Should not spend a lot of $, use stuff from around the house

Task #1 Blue Print Create a blueprint (cartoon/comic strip drawing) of your machine. Number each step of your machine. On the back of your drawing, explain each step. Also, list the simple machines that you used. Simple Machines: lever, inclined plane, wheel and axle, screw, wedge, pulley. DUE March 10th No Late Work Accepted.

Task #2 Build the Device Construct a Rube Goldberg machine which utilizes six simple machines, and consists of ten steps. Your machine must complete a task, either filling a cup or putting a ball in a cup. 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 switch.

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 Possible Materials: string, candle, 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 science department. (TBD)

Task #2 Due Date Your Completed Machine must be completed and turned in no later than the beginning of your class on March 23rd No late work will be accepted. This is Test/Project Grade

Task #3 Presenting You will explain & present your machine to the class. You will then show how your machine works. BTW your machine will be videotaped! This is worth one lab grade. Presentation day is Tuesday, 23nd

Project Write-up Purpose – Describe the purpose of your project. In a few sentences, describe the scenario, which you are trying to model and identify the goal, which you will be attempting to accomplish. The statement should be a purpose statement. (procedural steps should not be discussed).  Description of the Model – The different parts of the device should be described in detail as to how they function. References to information from the literature search should be included here. A discussion as to the ability of the individual machines in the device to perform their duties is recommended

Write-up con’t Data Section – This should include a record of variable changes that had to be made as the design process unfolded with specific results included. For example, if the launch velocity of a projectile to reach a certain point is too high for the launch device, what will be altered and how? Organize your data in a meaningful way using a tabular format.   Discussion of Results – Describe the successful final (we hope) version of the model you have constructed. Describe in detail any problems or difficulties this device had in completing the goal. Discuss its reliability (example, can it get repeatable results?) Discuss the possible energy losses or machine malfunctions, which might take place over time. 

Write-up con’t Due Date- March 27, 2017 Paper Format - Typed (12 font and double spaced) Correct grammar and spelling Clear organization Appropriate use of illustrations and tables/charts  New Times Roman Due Date- March 27, 2017

FAQ Can I have a partner? What happens if I am absent? Yes you may have a partner, but choose wisely. If you want to do this project alone you may. 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. How do I get a daily grade? Stay on task, no wandering, no being reminded to stay on task = A Talk to once = B Have to be remained more than once = F

Rubric Blueprint A= Detailed & completely labeled project, all steps are labeled & explained, all simple machines are labeled. Neat, & Legible B = Completely labeled project, 90% of steps are labeled & explained, all simple machines are labeled C= Project Is mostly labeled & explained, all steps are labeled & explained, all simple machines are labeled D/F = Project Labels are incomplete, or unclear

Machine Scoring No human assistance Self-contained Attempts to complete a task At least 10 steps involved Uses at least 5 different simple machines Quality/Neatness Creativity