Have you ever heard of a Rube Goldberg device? It is a series of simple machines that come together to form a specific task. Your goal for this planning assignment is to come up with a device that has at least five simple machines combined to complete a simple task of your choice. Your plan must be for a realistic task with realistic machines (i.e. you could build it with materials around the house).
Make sure to abide by these simple rules:
- The machine must complete a described task.
- You must title your machine.
- The machine must have at least five simple machines that include at least three types of machines and two energy transfers.
- No live animals or hazardous materials can be used in the project.
- Any flying objects must be contained within the boundaries of the machine.
- Indecent materials (profanity, lewd expressions, illegal items, etc.) must not be used.
- The machine must be realistic and could be built using materials around the home.
Once you have a plan, create a one-page explanation of your machine that discusses the task the machine will complete, a description of the five (or more) simple machines that will combine to complete the tasks, and a diagram showing your design. Turn in your one-page description to your teacher.
Your planning assignment will be graded using the following rubric.
| Project Requirements | Machine Types 5 points |
Your machine includes at least five machines with at least three different machine types. |
| Energy Transfers 5 points |
Your machine includes at least two different energy transfers. | |
| Operation 5 points |
Your machine is designed to complete a realistic task. | |
| Written Explanation 5 points |
Your written explanation is well written and explains the function of the machine. You include a diagram of the Rube Goldberg machine that is neat and understandable. | |
| Creativity 5 points |
Your machine completes a task in a creative way. Design is a new idea. |
