Rube Goldberg Project

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.break.com/index/best_rube_goldberg_ever.html

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

• http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-3638354327358573516&q=&hl=en

• http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-9133671200734505806&q=&hl=en

The Rube Goldberg Project

•Goal:–You must design & build a Rube Goldberg Device that has 10 steps. You must incorporate at least 4 out of 6 simple machines (wheel & axle, pulley, screw, inclined plane, wedge, and lever.)

Rules

• The end result is to fill a cup• Work with one partner from your class• You chose the steps & materials• Minimum 10 steps• Must be repeatable (reset & run again)• Must be brought into class (size limit)• Should not spend more than $10, use

stuff from around the house

Project Expectations

•This project has three parts:–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 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.– DUE: Tuesday, May 5, 2009 DUE: Tuesday, May 5, 2009 – No Late Work Accepted.No Late Work Accepted.– Worth 1 Lab Grade & 1 Daily GradeWorth 1 Lab Grade & 1 Daily Grade

Task #2Build the Device

• Construct a Rube Goldberg machine which utilizes six simple machines, and consists of ten steps.

• Your machine must complete a task, either filling a cup or putting a ball in a cup.

• There can be no human assistance in the process once the machine begins.

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 check out pulleys, and limited other materials from the science department.

Task #2 Due Date

• Your Completed Machine must be completed and turned in no later than the beginning of your class on Friday, May 15.

• No late work will be accepted.

• This is worth 5 lab grades.

Task #3Presenting

• You will explain & present your machine to the class.

• You will then show how your machine works.

• BTW your machine will be videotaped!

• This is worth one lab grade.• Presentation day is Friday, May

15.

FAQ

• Can I have a partner?– Yes you may have a partner, but choose wisely.

If you want to do this project alone you may.

• 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 daily grade?– Stay on task, no wandering, no being reminded

to stay on task = A– Talk to once = C– Have to be remained more than once = F

Rubric

• BlueprintA = Detailed & completely labeled project,

all steps are labeled & explained, all simple machines are labeled. Neat, & Legible

B = Completely labeled project, 90% of steps are labeled & explained, all simple machines are labeled

C Project Is mostly labeled & explained, all steps are labeled & explained, all simple machines are labeled

F = Project Labels are incomplete, or unclear

Machine Scoring

1. No human assistance 0-52. Self-contained 0-53. Attempts to complete a task 0-54. At least 10 steps involved 0-105. Uses at least 4 different simple

machines 0-156. Quality/Neatness 0-307. Creativity 0-30