Design Your Own Rube Goldberg Machine

Engineer and cartoonist Rube Goldberg is famous for his crazy machines that accomplish everyday tasks in overly complicated ways. Students use their new understanding of types of simple machines to design and build their own Rube Goldberg machines that perform simple tasks in no less than 10 steps. After reviewing a cartoon of a Rube Goldberg machine, students brainstorm, plan, create, and evaluate a machine of their own design.

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Standards & Objectives

Learning objectives:

Learning Objectives:

Create practical representations of simple machines (prototypes).
Follow the steps of the engineering design process.
Use tools safely.
Learn the five elements of a technology system: goal, inputs, processes, outputs and feedback.

Lesson Variations

Blooms taxonomy level:

Understanding

Interdisciplinary opportunities:

Engineering Connection
Engineers continually dip into their wells of creativity to come up with new and innovative ways of completing tasks. The classic and fundamental simple machines are incorporated and combined into an endless number of items designed by engineers and used everyday. This activity challenges students to bring out their creative side in designing complex machines to perform simple tasks.

Helpful Hints

Materials List:

examples of simple and complex machines (pulleys, hammer, ramps, bicycle, wheelbarrow, etc.)
illustrations of Rube Goldberg machines
assorted wood, metals, plastics and composites
foam core board and extruded foam insulation make good bases as they are light, sturdy, and easy to attach things to
miscellaneous construction materials such as wire hangers, cardboard, screws, wire, string, glue and tape
assorted tools, such as screwdrivers, saws, drills and hammers
poster paper, markers, crayons, pencils, rulers, etc
assorted discarded "raw materials," for student prototypes
assorted materials that students bring from home, which may be returned at project end

References

Contributors:

Virginia Cooter

Originator:

Ayers Institute for Learning & Innovation