Rube Goldberg Project

The Path to Invention

Read page 21 in the Models & Designs

book

• Ask yourself:1. What is a Rube Goldberg invention?2. What are the features that are

included in a Goldberg conceptual model?

“To invent, you need a good imagination and a pile of junk.”

—Thomas Edison (1847-1931)

A Rube Goldberg machineis a comical, complicated inventionthat performs a simple operation.

Mealtime can be messy—but not with this self-operating napkin thought up by cartoonist Rube Goldberg!

WHAT ARE SOME CHARACTERISTICS OF A RUBE GOLDBERG CONCEPTUAL DRAWING?

• http://teachertube.com/viewVideo.php?video_id=15955

HONDA Commercial

Rube Goldberg Style

Let’s try one!

• Use the Rube Goldberg Machine-o-Matic worksheet to create a conceptual model that will deliver a pizza to you.

• You may brainstorm with a partner or group prior to completing the paper.

How did we do?

The Rube Goldberg Project

• The project should be completed in 3 basic steps.

Brainstorming & Blueprint Conceptual Drawing Sharing in small groups

• Grades will be given for each step in the process.

Task #1 Brainstorm & Blue

Print• Brainstorm and decide on a goal for

your machine. The goal is the last step in your model.

• Briefly write out the 10 steps that your device would complete in order to reach the final goal.

• Write down the name of a device for each of the 10 steps that could complete the task.

• Turn in your plan for your teacher’s approval.

Invention Goal Ideas

• Crush a can• Close a door• Fill a water glass• Turn on the radio• Brush teeth• Throw a water balloon• Kick a football• Wash dishes• Pour syrup on a pancake• Drop money in a piggy bank

The possibilities are endless!

Task #2 Conceptual

Drawing• Your drawing must contain at

least 10 steps.• Create a blueprint (cartoon

drawing) of your machine. • Number or letter each step of

your machine. • On the back of your drawing,

explain each step.

Task #3Presenting

• You will explain and present your conceptual model to a small group of your classmates.

• Classmates will fill out a form and provide feedback on your model.

FAQ

• Can I have a partner?– You may brainstorm with a partner or group, but

ultimately you must each turn in your own conceptual model.

• What happens if I am absent?– You will have to make up the work.

• How do I get a grade?– I will be using a rubric to score your final project– There will be components on the rubric that

evaluate how well you were on task, how complete your blueprint was, the quality of your final conceptual model, and your ability to explain the steps of your model effectively to your classmates.

Some Examples…

Extra Credit

• If you choose to actually build a physical model of your conceptual model, extra credit points will be given!

Examples