Rube Goldberg Project

“To invent, you need a good imagination and a pile of junk “To invent, you need a good imagination and a pile of junk.” —Thomas Edison (1847-1931)

A Rube Goldberg machine is a comical, complicated invention that performs a simple operation. Mealtime can be messy—but not with this self-operating napkin thought up by cartoonist Rube Goldberg!

WHAT ARE SOME CHARACTERISTICS OF A RUBE GOLDBERG CONCEPTUAL DRAWING?

HONDA Commercial Rube Goldberg Style http://teachertube.com/viewVideo.php?video_id=15955 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JmnRJ2M4eik

Let’s try one! Use the Rube Goldberg Machine worksheet to create a conceptual model. You may work with a partner or go solo to complete this task.

The Rube Goldberg Project The project should be completed in 3 basic steps. Brainstorming & Blueprint Conceptual Drawing Sharing with your teacher/peers

Task #1 Brainstorm & Blue Print Brainstorm and decide on a goal for your machine. The goal is the last step in your model. Briefly write out the steps that your device would complete in order to reach the final goal. Write down the name of the simple machine for each of the steps.

The possibilities are endless! Invention Goal Ideas Crush a can Close a door Fill a water glass Turn on the radio Brush teeth Throw a water balloon Kick a football Ring a bell Water a plant Drop money in a piggy bank The possibilities are endless!

Task #2 Conceptual Drawing Your drawing must contain at least 7 (12) steps. Create a blueprint (cartoon drawing) of your machine. Number or letter each step of your machine. On the back of your drawing, explain each step including the transfer of energy.

The Build Build the actual physical model of your conceptual model.

Examples

Other Links http://vimeo.com/59920317 http://www.youtube.com/embed/AA56LgpFbSw?rel=0 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qybUFnY7Y8w http://www.rubegoldberg.com/?page=video&gallery_id=&video_id=4519&filter= http://pbskids.org/zoom/games/goldburgertogo/rubegame.html