Rube Goldberg Project Grade 8 Mechanical Advantage and Efficiency
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.youtube.com/watch?v=YWk9N92-wvg
• http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-2367646121273499414
• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qybUFnY7Y8w
• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lCYg_gz4fDo
The Rube Goldberg
Project
• Goal:
–You must design & build a Rube Goldberg Device that has 7 steps. You must incorporate at least 5 out of 6 simple machines (wheel & axle, pulley, screw, inclined plane, wedge, 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 four parts:
–Research
–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, inclined plane, wheel and axle, screw, wedge, pulley.
– Presentation is due on…
Task #2
Build 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, either
moving a can, filling a cup 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… .
Task #3
Presenting
• You will explain & present your
machine to the class.
• You will then show how your machine
works.
• Presentation day is …
FAQ
• Can I have a partner?
– Yes you may work in groups of 2-3 or less, but choose partner wisely. If you want to do this project alone you may. A strong group will likely have an artist, a designer and a writer.
• 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
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 1attempt to complete the task
4. At least 7 steps involved
5. Uses at least 5 different simple machines
6. Quality/Neatness
7. Creativity 0-30
Procedure
1. Chose a purpose for your machine.
2. Design and illustrate your Rube
Goldberg Machine Poster on a 81/2’
x11’ or 14’x11’ 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 using a graphic organizer (“T”
chart) and tape it to the back of the
poster.
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.