Rube Goldberg Project
Rube Goldberg Project
• A Rube Goldberg device is a deliberately
over-engineered machine that performs a
very simple task in a complex fashion,
usually including a chain reaction.
• The expression is named after American
cartoonist and inventor Rube Goldberg
(1883–1970).
Task 1 – Creating a Blueprint
• Create a blueprint (cartoon drawing) of your
machine. It must include 4 different simple
machines.
• Number each step of your machine. You must
have at least 7 steps.
• On the back of your drawing, explain each step.
• Also, list the simple machines that you used in
your steps. Simple Machines: lever, inclined
plane, wheel & axle, screw, wedge, and
pulley.
• Must not contain offensive materials or themes.
Task 1 – Creating a Blueprint
• You cannot use flammable or other dangerous
chemicals. This violates the rules. GET YOUR
PARENTS PERMISSION BEFORE USING ANY
OBJECT!
• Due Date – Wednesday, November 4, 2015
Task 2 – Building Your Machine
• Construct a Rube Goldberg machine which
utilizes 4 different simple machines, and consists
of at least 7 steps.
• There can be no human assistance in the
process once the machine begins.
• Also, you cannot be part of the machine. For
example, you cannot hold pulleys in the air.
They must be attached to something.
• Please DO NOT spend money on this! You can
find many of your supplies around your home.
Use toys, blocks, sporting goods, recyclables
etc.
Task 3 – Presenting
• Record your machine in one continuous clip in a
Windows Media Player File or QuickTime to show to the
class using a flash drive or a DVD.
• Your video should include an introduction of the group
members, an explanation of the what the machine will do
at each step, and a successful run of the machine.
• These Videos will be shown to the class on Friday,
November 20, 2015.
• You may want to send it to me a day or two in advance
to make sure it works.
What Makes a Great Rube
Goldberg Machine
• The machine works. A Rube Goldberg Machine is
designed such that a single action starts the machine
running (pressing a button, letting go of a marble, cutting
a string, removing a barrier, etc.), and no other human
actions are required.
• Rube Goldberg Machines have a unifying theme.
Examples of good themes include the Wizard of Oz, Star
Wars, food, farm equipment, gardening, sports, etc.
• No group is penalized for having electrically or
chemically powered steps, however mechanical steps
are more in the spirit of Rube Goldberg’s machines.
What Makes a Great Rube
Goldberg Machine
• It has clearly visible steps. On many machines, it is hard
to follow all the steps. Teachers appreciate machines
that are laid out so that as many of the steps as possible
are clearly visible in linear sequence. (A hits B, B triggers
C, C cuts D, etc.)
• Rube Goldberg Machines use common objects in ways
you would not expect, for example:
1) A wind-up toy hamster wiggles down a tube and hits a
ball,
2) A tape recorder slowly winds a string, pulling up a
pirate flag while playing the theme song from the Pirates
of the Caribbean movie.
Important Dates
• Creating your Blueprint – Due on
Wednesday, November 4, 2015.
• Device due for presentation. Presentation
needs to be on video – Due on Friday,
November 20, 2015.
Websites
• http://www.rubegoldberg.com/
• http://mousetrapcontraptions.com/coolmachines-3.html