Rube Goldberg Project Grade 8 Mechanical Advantage and Efficiency

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

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The Rube Goldberg Project Goal: –You must design & build a Rube Goldberg Device that has 7 steps. You must incorporate at least 4 out of 6 simple machines (wheel & axle, pulley, screw and inclined plane, wedge, gear, and lever.)

Rules The end result is to move a can Work with one partner from your class You choose the steps & materials Minimum 7 steps Must be repeatable (reset & run again) Must be brought into class (1.5mx1.5m) Use recycled/repurposed “stuff” from around the house

Project Expectations This project has three parts: –Blueprint –Build Device –Present Device in Class

Task #1 Blue Print Create a blueprint (cartoon drawing) of your machine. Number each step of your machine. On the bottom or the back of your drawing, explain each step. Also, list the simple machines that you used. Simple Machines: lever, screw and inclined plane, wheel and axle, gear, wedge, pulley. –Presentation is due Tuesday March 25 th, 2014

Task #2 Build the Device Construct a Rube Goldberg machine which utilizes six simple machines, and consists of a minimum of 7 steps. Your machine must complete a task (moving a can or putting a ball in a cup). There can be no human assistance in the process once the machine begins. Alternate tasks must be approved!

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 use premade pulleys if necessary, but remember imagination and creativity is key.

Task #2 Due Date Your Completed Machine must be completed and turned in no later than the beginning of your class on…. Tuesday March 25 th, 2014

Task #3 Presenting You will explain & present your machine to the class. You will then show how your machine works. Presentation day is … Tuesday Mar 25 th, 2014

FAQ Can I have a partner? –Yes you may work in groups of 2 or less, but choose partner 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 good grade? –Stay on task, no wandering, no being reminded to stay on task = A –Follow guidelines and make an awesome project

Rubric Blueprint 4 = Detailed & completely labeled project, all steps are labeled & explained, all simple machines are labeled. Neat, & Legible. 3 = Completely labeled project, 90% of steps are labeled & explained, all simple machines are labeled. 2 = Project Is mostly labeled & explained, all steps are labeled & explained, all simple machines are labeled 1 = Project Labels are incomplete, or unclear.

Machine Scoring 1.No human assistance 2.Self-contained 3.Only 1-2 attempts to complete thetask 4.At least 7 steps involved 5.Uses at least 4 different simple machines 6.Quality/Neatness 7.Creativity 0-30

Procedure 1.Chose a purpose for your machine. 2.Design and illustrate your Rube Goldberg Machine Poster on a Letter Size or Poster Size blank paper Title should be short and bold. Steps should be clearly labeled with numbers or letters 3. Write the steps on a separate sheet of paper.

Procedure cont’d 4. Describes simple machines that are required in the design (pulleys, levers, etc.) 5. Label the forms of energy (PE. KE, etc…). 6. A presentation will be made to the class: Explain all steps. Identify all simple machines. Identify all forms of energy.