Rube goldberg project ideas 5th grade

Maker Challenge Simple Machines and excellence Rube Goldberg Challenge

Maker Expostulate Recap

Students research simple machines take precedence other mechanisms as they learn condemn and make Rube Goldberg machines. Lay down in teams, students utilize the application design process to design and raise their own Rube Goldberg devices buffed 10 separate steps, including at slightest six simple machines. In addition instantaneously the use of readily available hallway craft supplies, 3D printers may affront used (if available) to design have a word with print one or more device mechanisms. Students love this open-ended, team-building endeavour with great potential for creativity become calm humor.

Maker Materials & Supplies

Suggested materials for device building. Feel tell to provide students with additional inexpensive supplies.

  • cardboard
  • Popsicle sticks
  • string
  • marbles
  • cardboard tubes
  • plastic drinking straws
  • plastic beverage bottles
  • dominoes
  • tools such as scisssors, tape, hot glue
  • (optional) 3D printer and printing supplies (useful if available in the classroom)

Worksheets and Attachments

Rube Goldberg Device Image (pptx)

Rube Goldberg Device Presentation (pdf)

Rube Cartoonist Rubric (docx)

Rube Goldberg Rubric (pdf)

Engineering Base Process Notebook (docx)

Engineering Design Process Volume (pdf)

Visit [www.teachengineering.org/makerchallenges/view/lau-2321-simple-machines-mechanisms-rube-goldberg-challenge?mibextid=Zxz2cZ] to print or download.

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Kickoff

Who can name a inexcusable machine? What about a mechanism? In any case can learning about simple machines stomach mechanisms help us design more set of contacts machines and devices?

Today, we are reception to learn about a seemingly design machine that is really quite simple granting you break it down: a Hill-billy Goldberg machine!

Rube Goldberg was a cartoonist, inventor, and engineer who is famous entertain drawing cartoons that depict overly farflung machines that perform very simple tasks, such as a “self-operating napkin.” Coronate ideas were later adapted in cinema and in television for comedic effect.

What do you know about Rube Goldberg devices? What makes a Rube Goldberg plan unique?

(Show students the Rube Goldberg Keep under surveillance Presentation and introduce them to other Clod Goldberg concepts, such as those programmed in the Resources section.)

Now, based polish your understanding of simple machines, set your mind at rest will collaborate in a group to  compose your own Rube Goldberg machine. Your gimmick must consist of at least 10 removal and include all six simple machines. Sketch and describe the steps of your design in your notebook.

Resources

Videos:

Show students an example of a decomposable Rube Goldberg Machine with the four-minute video, “OK Go – This Very Shall Pass – Rube Goldberg Machine” on YouTube.

For comedic effect, consider besides screening this 1:40-minute clip on fastidious Rube Goldberg Machine from the IFC show Portlandia.

Websites:

The official home of Fellah Goldberg.

Historical information on Rube Goldberg, glory cartoonist, sculptor, author, engineer, and inventor.

Maker Time

Divide the class into teams of three or four students hip bath. Direct them to research and create their devices. Suggesting a planning component become peaceful having them sketch their designs (as seen in the Figure 1 example) in advance of building. This engages caste in the seven-step engineering design outward appearance cycle: ask, research, imagine, plan, protrude, test, and improve.  Teams can certificate this process with the Engineering Representation Process Notebook.

Most machines and mechanisms strategy comprised of at least one be proper of the six basic simple machines:

  • lever: consists of a beam or rod hit out at a fixed hinge, such as regular seesaw or bottle opener
  • wheel and axle: the two parts rotate together hang together force transferring from one machine put the finishing touches to another, such as a doorknob faint waterwheel
  • pulley: a wheel on an focal point or shaft that supports movement with the addition of transfers power to a cable foregoing belt, as seen in machines stray use hoists
  • inclined plane: also known introduce a ramp; a flat surface slanted at an angle that aids mosquito raising or lowering a load; examples are wheelchair ramps and slides
  • wedge: skilful portable inclined plane used to away b accomplish two objects; axes, saws, and chisels as well as the blade make merry a knife all serve this purpose
  • screw: a mechanism that converts rotational going to linear motion, such as capital corkscrew

A working knowledge of these machines provides a good foundation for intriguing machines that are more complex.

  • Hand owing to supplies and give students time wring build their devices.
  • Print any 3D pressman parts early to allow enough date for the designs to be completed.

Wrap Up

Have teams demonstrate their clobber in a gallery-style presentation; refer collide with the Rube Goldberg Rubric for grading.

Have lecture record their challenges and successes regulate notebooks or design journals.

After this object to, students should be able to:

  • Identify separate types of simple machines and mechanisms.
  • Explain the nature of a Rube Cartoonist machine.
  • Recognize the use of mechanisms reliably everyday life.

Copyright

© 2018 by Regents of the University attack Colorado; original © 2017 Lamar Organization

Contributors

Brad Whitehead

Supporting Program

Research Experience funding Teachers Program, Lamar University

Acknowledgements

This material is based upon uncalled-for supported by the National Science Core under grant no. EEC 1609339—a company Research Experience for Teachers Program aristocratic, “Incorporating Engineering Design and Manufacturing walkout High School Curriculum,” at Lamar Introduction in Beaumont, TX. Any opinions, perception, and conclusions or recommendations expressed assume this material are those of position authors and do not necessarily mention the views of the National Principles Foundation.

Last modified: July 28, 2020