Activity
This is an actual student built Rube Goldberg 20-step machine. The objective of this machine was to prepare a bowl of cereal for breakfast. This machine worked so well, that it was used by his family to prepare a bowl of Fruit Loops for a period of time. Standard: 3240-04 : Students will construct various machines and compare the work done by them. Objective: 3240-0401 The students will construct simple machines and use
them to measure and analyze work done by them. Safety concerns: Teachers and students, be sure to keep all Electrical and Heat Safety Rules that are specified by your teacher and in all general laboratory experiences. In addition, be sure that your machine does not harm animals or people.
A Student Instruction Page with the Procedure and Rules as found below is available in .pdf format. Procedure and Rules You will be graded on each section of the required procedures. Section 1) Like an architect, you must make a "blue print" drawing of your Rube Goldberg machine listing all twenty steps with the proper names of the different simple machines. Section 2) You must build and mount your apparatus on a wooden or solid platform. Your project must fit through the door. Section 3) You must demonstrate your device using the proper terms to identify the different simple machines. Then you will physically demonstrate your device to the class. Please Note! 2) Any and all messes created by your machine will be cleaned up by you! 3) You may only use the same type of simple machine five times on your project. With this in mind, you only need four (4) different simple machine types to successfully complete this assignment. Task Ideas The above are only ideas. Any other ideas must be cleared with your teacher first! It's OK to be unique and creative!
The Official Rube Goldberg Web Site relates to this activity. It gives a great background on who Rube Goldberg was as well as describing how to build a Rube Goldberg machine. Remember to use your browswer's back button to return to sci-ber text. |
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