Rube Goldberg Assignment With Active Link

Rube Goldberg Machine
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.
Process
1. Review sample Rube Goldberg cartoons at the Official Rube Goldberg site and the Rube
Goldberg Gallery
2. Review the proponents of simple machines at these sites:

 Simple Machines
 Six simple machines and online quiz
 Elements of Machines
 Simple Machines Glossary
3. Review these sites for information on transfer of energy:

 Types of Energy
 Energy
 Energy Changes
4. Try these suggested sites for other ideas for your project:
 How Stuff Works

 Rube Goldberg Machine Contest
 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l8Oes7Ze-Rg&feature=related

5. Create a Rube Goldberg invention that will accomplish a goal (ie. turn on a light, burst a balloon,
etc.). You will create a model that can be recorded from home, or brought into school for a live
demonstration. You will also need create blue prints (plans) for this model, as well as a written report,
and submit this material to your teacher.
6. Brainstorm some ideas about what type of goals you wish to accomplish with this sort of device
(e.g., light a candle, turn on a light, etc.).
a) Consider some of the simple machines that could be used (ie. lever, pulley, wheel
and axle, gears, wedges, incline planes, hydraulic and pneumatic systems.
b) What materials would be available for you to use?
7. Items that must be included in your model:

- at least 4 different simple machines (you are not limited to only using four, and you may use
any of the simple machines more than once.)
- minimum of 15 steps (no maximum). Every step does not need to involve a simple machine.
- the model must achieve the goal in 2 minutes or less.
8. Blue Prints (Plans)
- Students will produce a schematic design labelling each part and its function and each step
needed to accomplish the task. (Ex. levers - what class?)
9. Written Assignment:
- Submit a formally-written, word-processed lab report. The lab report should include the
following sections:
 Purpose: Describe the purpose of your project. In a few sentences, describe the scenario
which you are trying to model and identify the goal which you will be attempting to accomplish.
The statement should be a purpose statement (procedural steps should not be discussed).
 Procedure: Step by step description of the Rube Goldberg machine that you created.
1. Created a blue print.

2. Bought supplies
3. Built simple machine
4. Marble started by human hand.
5. Marble rolls to lever.
6. Lever lift can to drop marble.
 Description of the Model: The different parts of the device should be described in detail as to
how they function. References to information from the literature search should be included
here. A discussion as to the ability of the individual machines in the device to perform their
duties is recommended.
 Discussion of Results: Describe the final successful (we hope) version of the model you
have constructed. Describe in detail any problems or difficulties this device might have in
completing the goal. Discuss its reliability (i.e., can it get repeatable results?). Explain the
changes that needed to be made along the way.
 Suggested Materials:
 Examples of simple and complex machines (pulleys, ramps, bicycle etc.)
 Illustrations of Rube Goldberg machines
 Wood, metals, plastics and composites.
 Foam board or extruded foam insulation make good bases as they are light,
 sturdy, and easy to attach things to.
 Coat hangers, cardboard, screws, wire, string, tape and lots of other miscellaneous
 construction materials.
 Screwdrivers, saws, drills hammers and other necessary tools.
 Poster paper, markers, crayons, pencils, rulers, etc
10. You will demonstrate your machine in a class exhibition at the end of the month.
11. Include in your written report 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?
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.

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Rube Goldberg Machine

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

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

 How Stuff Works

7. Items that must be included in your model:

8. Blue Prints (Plans)

1. Created a blue print.

 What did I do right?

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