1. Rube Goldberg Project

2. A Rube Goldberg device is a deliberately over-engineered machine that performs a very simple task in a complex fashion, usually including a chain reaction. The expression is named after American cartoonist and inventor Rube Goldberg (1883–1970).

6. Task 1 – Creating a Blueprint Create a blueprint (cartoon drawing) of your machine. It must include 4 different simple machines. Number each step of your machine. You must have at least 7 steps. On the back of your drawing, explain each step. Also, list the simple machines that you used in your steps. Simple Machines: lever, inclined plane, wheel & axle, screw, wedge, and pulley. Must not contain offensive materials or themes.

7. Task 1 – Creating a Blueprint You cannot use flammable or other dangerous chemicals. This violates the rules. GET YOUR PARENTS PERMISSION BEFORE USING ANY OBJECT! Due Date - Wednesday, November 5, 2014

8. Task 2 – Building Your Machine Construct a Rube Goldberg machine which utilizes 4 different simple machines, and consists of at least 7 steps. There can be no human assistance in the process once the machine begins. Also, you cannot be part of the machine. For example, you cannot hold pulleys in the air. They must be attached to something. Please DO NOT spend money on this! You can find many of your supplies around your home. Use toys, blocks, sporting goods, recyclables etc.

9. Task 3 – Presenting Record your machine in one continuous clip in a Windows Media Player File or QuickTime to show to the class using a flash drive or a DVD. Your video should include an introduction of the group members, an explanation of the what the machine will do at each step, and a successful run of the machine. These Videos will be shown to the class on Friday, November 21, 2014. You may want to send it to me a day or two in advance to make sure it works.

10. What Makes a Great Rube Goldberg Machine The machine works. A Rube Goldberg Machine is designed such that a single action starts the machine running (pressing a button, letting go of a marble, cutting a string, removing a barrier, etc.), and no other human actions are required. Rube Goldberg Machines have a unifying theme. Examples of good themes include the Wizard of Oz, Star Trek, food, farm equipment, gardening, sports, etc. No group is penalized for having electrically or chemically powered steps, however mechanical steps are more in the spirit of Rube Goldberg’s machines

11. What Makes a Great Rube Goldberg Machine It has clearly visible steps. On many machines, it is hard to follow all the steps. Teachers appreciate machines that are laid out so that as many of the steps as possible are clearly visible in linear sequence. (A hits B, B triggers C, C cuts D, etc.) Rube Goldberg Machines use common objects in ways you would not expect, for example: 1) A wind-up toy hamster wiggles down a tube and hits a ball, 2) A tape recorder slowly winds a string, pulling up a pirate flag while playing the theme song from the Pirates of the Caribbean movie.

12. Important Dates Creating your Blueprint – Due on Wednesday, November 5, 2014. Device due for presentation. Presentation needs to be on video. - Due on Friday, November 21, 2014.

13. Websites http://www.rubegoldberg.com/ http://mousetrapcontraptions.com/cool- machines-3.htmlhttp://mousetrapcontraptions.com/cool- machines-3.html