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.

Examples

• http://autorepair.about.com/library/multimedia/hhonda-ad-300k.swf

• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YWk9N92-wvg

• http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-2367646121273499414

• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qybUFnY7Y8w

• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lCYg_gz4fDo

The Rube Goldberg

Project

• Goal:

–You must design & build a Rube Goldberg Device that has 7 steps. You must incorporate at least 5 out of 6 simple machines (wheel & axle, pulley, screw, inclined plane, wedge, 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 four parts:

–Research

–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, inclined plane, wheel and axle, screw, wedge, pulley.

– Presentation is due on…

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, either

moving a can, filling a cup 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… .

Task #3

Presenting

• You will explain & present your

machine to the class.

• You will then show how your machine

works.

• Presentation day is …

FAQ

• Can I have a partner?

– Yes you may work in groups of 2-3 or less, but choose partner wisely. If you want to do this project alone you may. A strong group will likely have an artist, a designer and a writer.

• 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

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 1attempt to complete the task

4. At least 7 steps involved

5. Uses at least 5 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 81/2’

x11’ or 14’x11’ 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 using a graphic organizer (“T”

chart) and tape it to the back of the

poster.

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.