Italy High School

Introduction

Rube Goldberg was a cartoonist famous for creating diagrams that showed an extremely complicated, complex way to accomplish simple, ordinary tasks. You, too, will follow in the creative footsteps of Mr. Goldberg on the path to simple machine invention.

Task

You will design and build a working Rube Goldberg machine, a very complicated machine to perform a simple everyday task.  You will keep a journal of your progress and write a paper about your project.

 Process

1. Use the Big6 research method to help in this project.

2. Brainstorm (write down) a list of sources where you might find information on Rube Goldberg, simple machines and energy transfer.

3. Review sample Rube Goldberg cartoons at the Official Rube Goldberg site and the Rube Goldberg Gallery

4. Review the proponents of simple machines at these sites: 

Simple Machines

Six simple machines and online quiz

Elements of Machines

Simple Machines Glossary

5. Review these sites for information on transfer of energy:

Types of Energy

Energy Transfer

Energy

Energy Changes

6. Try these suggested sites for other ideas for your project:

How Stuff Works

Timeline of Mechanical Inventions (with illustrations)

Rube Goldberg Machine Contest

7. Also look in the reference section of the library in encyclopedias for information on different types of propellers and Newton’s Laws or the online encyclopedias at the Italy High School Library web site.

8. Keep a journal as you progress through this project.

9. Draw a labeled diagram of your machine with detailed instructions of your steps.

10. After assembling the materials, now build your Rube Goldberg machine including the following guidelines:

--machine must perform some task, any task within reason (consult teacher for final approval)

--can have up to 3 people in a group working on 1 machine

--must have at least 10 steps.  15 or more will earn bonus points.

--must include at least 3 simple machines.  If you use all 6, five bonus points are earned.

--must use 5 energy transfers

--must be free standing and able to get through the door

--must be able to complete the task more than once

--cannot touch machine after it starts

--no electrical devices allowed

11. You will demonstrate your machine in a class exhibition.

12. You will also turn in a typed (12-point Times Roman, double spaced) paper which includes the following:

--list of simple machines and how they work

--energy transfer and how it is used in your project

--labeled diagram of your machine with detailed instructions of your steps

13. Include in your journal a final analysis/self evaluation on how well you think you did on this project.  Include:

--What did I do right?

--What did I do wrong?

--What would I change if I could?

--How could I make the project better?

Evaluation

You will receive 1 test grade for this project in the following breakdown of 100 points:

--Paper (35)—included all information requested

--Working machine (20)—followed guidelines

--Finished product (35)—has at least 10 steps

--Journal (5)—turned in on time

--Final Analysis/Self Evaluation (5)—followed guidelines

Due dates:

April 13—Submit group members

April 17—Submit goal

April 25—Journal check

May 9—Diagram presentation

May 16—Projects due

NO late projects will be accepted!

Conclusion

At the end of this project you will become more acquainted with simple machines and energy transfer needed to make a working machine similar to the famous Rube Goldberg cartoons. 

Credits

Clip art courtesy of Rube Goldberg Gallery.

revised 16 February 2006