Rube Goldberg was a cartoonist, a sculptor, and an author. He was famous for creating cartoons that showed an extremely complicated, complex way to accomplish simple, ordinary tasks. Your task will be to learn about simple machines, Rube Goldberg, and to create your own machine that will accomplish a simple task of your choosing.
1. Research Rube Goldberg. Choose one of his inventions. Copy it and rewrite his explanation of how the invention works. You will find lots of links relating to Rube Goldberg and his inventions at the bottom of my invention page.
2. Click on this picture to learn about simple machines. It will take you to a site where you will learn all about simple machines. Be sure to scroll through the entire page because there are additional links at the bottom. You will need this information in order to create your own Rube Goldberg invention.
3. Brainstorm tasks that need a machine to get the job done. Select one of your ideas and begin to design your machine.
4. Sketch ideas for your machine. Remember to include at least three simple machines. Your machine must have at least 10 steps. Name your machine.
5. Create a large, neatly drawn, clearly labeled poster of your invention.
5. Produce an instruction manual on how it works.
6. Present your idea to the class.
Now...if you're really ready for a challenge, you may attempt to actually build your machine. If you are successful, you may use this project for our Invention Convention.