The Rube Goldberg Wrap-Up Science Project
| Another Simple Machine Site | Examples of Rube's Inventions |
What is a Rube Goldberg machine? It is a machine that makes things far more complicated than they should be. What it does is take a very simple method, like sharpening a pencil or eating a banana, and make it hard. It is done by taking a group of ordinary objects and connecting them with a bunch of simple machines in a weird, but workable, way.
So, what does this have to do with you? Knowing what people know takes many forms. In this case, rather than a written science test, you will have the chance to combine what you have learned in language arts, science and technology into an exciting and fun project. This project will allow you:
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to be an inventor and use the invention steps we learned. |
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show your understanding of how the Force science concepts are used. |
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to demonstrates your knowledge of simple machines. |
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to show how your writing can use good ideas, organization and mechanics in an interesting paragraph explaining how your machine works. |
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to be creative and artistic. |
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to construct something fun out of your head using materials that you can find around your house. |
The project is made up of five possible parts. Four are required and one is optional. The parts are listed below.
1. Identifying a problem you are going to solve. Remember, you have to start with thinking about how to do something that is easy to do and then make it complicated. Think about something unusual and interesting.
2.A well drawn Rube Goldberg contraption. It can be hand drawn, or computer generated, but both have to be labeled and explained. (non-fiction graphic). Everything is your own work. Look carefully at the Rube Goldberg site that I have listed at the top of the web page to see how he approached his inventions. Too, I have included several simple machine sites to help refresh your memory.
3.A paragraph that explains your Rube Goldberg machine. It has to tell how your machine uses forces, Newton’s Laws and several of the simple machines to work. This is where you really show what you know. I have listed the science concepts that we have covered in class to help you think through what you want to say. The Rube Goldberg rubric will explain what you need to do to earn a certain score. (science concepts)
You have to be sure to type a full paragraph. Use the Idea, Organization and Mechanics rubrics to help you know the quality level. Can your parents help check your work after you have done all you can do? Sure. But, it is you who does the work. (writing process) This will be imported into a web page. You will take a digital picture of your drawing to import as well. (technology)
A poster on which the drawing and paragraph are neatly mounted. This is to be brought in on Tuesday, January 20th. (language arts presentation)
The optional fifth part is to make part of a working machine like the one you drew. To make a full score of 5, however, it is required. It is your choice to do it. But, if you do a machine, it will elevate your score on the drawing and the paragraph by one level. If you make one, it is to be brought in on Tuesday.
Inventing. Welcome to Ms.C’s GMHS Science Website. www.gmhsscience.com/Inventing/inventing.htm#Intro 2004
Rube Goldburg Gallery. Rube Goldburg Incorporated. www.rubegoldberg.com/html/gallery.htm 2004
Simple Machines. The Simple Machines Web Quest. The Rice School/ La Escuela Rice-HISD. www. outreach.rice.edu/~dgabby/science/simp_mach/. 2004