Rube Goldberg Project

Grade 8 Mechanical Advantage and

Efficiency

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 7 steps. You must incorporate at least 4 out of 6 simple machines (wheel & axle, pulley, screw and inclined plane, wedge, gear, and lever.)

Rules

• The end result is to move a can• Work with one partner from your class• You choose the steps & materials• Minimum 7 steps• Must be repeatable (reset & run again)• Must be brought into class

(1.5mx1.5m)• Use recycled/repurposed “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 bottom or the back of your

drawing, explain each step. • Also, list the simple machines that

you used. Simple Machines: lever, screw and inclined plane, wheel and axle, gear, wedge,pulley.– Presentation is due Tuesday March 25Presentation is due Tuesday March 25thth, ,

20142014

Task #2Build the Device

• Construct a Rube Goldberg machine which utilizes six simple machines, and consists of a minimum of 7 steps.

• Your machine must complete a task (moving a can or putting a ball in a cup).

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

• Alternate tasks must be approved!

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 use premade pulleys if necessary, but remember imagination and creativity is key.

Task #2 Due Date

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

• Tuesday March 25th, 2014

Task #3Presenting

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

• You will then show how your machine works.

• Presentation day is … • Tuesday Mar 25th, 2014

FAQ

• Can I have a partner?– Yes you may work in groups of 2 or less, but

choose partner 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 good grade?– Stay on task, no wandering, no being reminded

to stay on task = A– Follow guidelines and make an awesome project

Rubric• Blueprint

4 = Detailed & completely labeled project, all steps are labeled & explained, all simple machines are labeled. Neat, & Legible.

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

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

1 = Project Labels are incomplete, or unclear.

Machine Scoring

1. No human assistance 2. Self-contained 3. Only 1-2 attempts to complete

thetask 4. At least 7 steps involved5. Uses at least 4 different simple

machines6. Quality/Neatness7. Creativity 0-30

ProcedureProcedure

1. Chose a purpose for your machine.

2. Design and illustrate your Rube Goldberg Machine Poster on a Letter Size or Poster Size blank paper Title should be short and bold.Steps should be clearly labeled with numbers or letters 3. Write the steps on a separate sheet of paper.

Procedure cont’d

4. Describes simple machines that are required in the design (pulleys, levers, etc.)

5. Label the forms of energy (PE. KE, etc…).

6. A presentation will be made to the class: Explain all steps.

Identify all simple machines. Identify all forms of energy.