Name________________________________________________________ Mrs. Reeder
Introduction:
Whenever a machine is made too complicated to do a simple job, it is called a Rube Goldberg.
In this activity, you will design your own “Rube Goldberg” machine to do a simple job.
Design Brief:
Design and draw a “Rube Goldberg” type of compound machine that will do one of the following simple jobs. Circle the one you are going to create.

Turn on the TV

Untie your shoe

Turn a page in a book
Requirements:



Hammer a nail
Feed your dog
Turn on a light



Comb your hair
Water a plant
Brush your teeth
Your machine must include at least eight steps but can use more. You must use at least three different types of simple machines but may use as many as needed. (For example: you can use a wheel, pulley and two levers.) *You will receive a bonus point if you use all six. Make a rough draft. Then, neatly draw your machine on 8.5 x 11 paper. Label each step with ABC’s.
Write a description of each step and state the type of simple machine being used.
Materials:
Simple Machines:
Paper and a pencil (optional: computer with clipart) wheel and axle, pulley, wedge, screw, lever, and inclined plane. (A gear is a wheel with
Procedure: teeth.)
1.
Make a sketch your machine on the back of this paper. Remember you need at least eight steps.
2.
Make a final copy on the computer or a new sheet of paper.
3.
Write the ABC’s on the cartoon. You need A though H, but can have more.
4.
Write a description of the steps. Be sure to identify the simple machines that you use.
Underline the simple machines. You need at least three different types.
5.
Attach the final copy to this paper and turn it in by the due date.
Rubric: 30 points possible
I circled the type of machine I designed and put my name on this paper (2 points).
I made a rough sketch (1 point).
I made a final sketch and stapled it to this paper (2 points).
I labeled the steps with ABC’s (1 point).
I have eight steps (8 points).
I wrote descriptions for each step (5 points). I put the goal of the machine at the top (1 point).
I used at least three different simple machines (3 points).
I underlined the simple machines (3 points).
I drew neatly and used creativity (4 points).

Example:
Sketch a rough draft below: