The Rube Goldberg Challenge
Design and build your very own chain reaction machine using everyday objects! This challenge is all about creativity, problem-solving, and understanding how one small action can lead to a spectacular series of events.
The lesson goal is in this spark, your learner will design a multi-step chain reaction using simple machines and household items, apply concepts of cause and effect to predict and observe physical interactions and practice problem-solving and perseverance through iterative design and testing.
What You Need
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Learning Guide
Step-by-step guidance. No preparation required.
- 1
Introduction5 Min
- Introduce Rube Goldberg and cause/effect.
- Move on when Student understands the basic concept of a Rube Goldberg machine and cause and effect.
Photo by Atlantic Ambience on Pexels - 2
Explore & Plan8 Min
- Choose a simple end goal.
- Identify potential household materials.
- Sketch a basic chain reaction plan.
- Gather all selected materials.
- Move on when Student has chosen a simple end goal and has a preliminary, even if rough, plan for their machine, and materials are gathered.
Photo by RDNE Stock project on Pexels - 3
Discussion6 Min
- Discuss the machine's planned steps.
- Move on when Student can articulate how at least two steps in their planned machine will interact and can identify a potential challenge.
Photo by Katerina Holmes on Pexels - 4
Activity9 Min
- Start building the machine.
- Test each segment as you build.
- Make adjustments as needed.
- Move on when Student has constructed a multi-step Rube Goldberg machine (even if small) and has attempted to run it at least once.
Photo by Mikhail Nilov on Pexels - 5
Summary2 Min
- Reflect on the building experience.
- Move on when Student shares at least one insight or favorite part from the building process.
Photo by cottonbro studio on Pexels
Personalize The Spark
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