Activity number 4
Name of the activity
Building a Rube Goldberg Machine using Upcycled Materials
Introduction of the topic
In the 1920s, the American cartoonist Rube Goldberg began drawing his series “Inventions of Professor Lucifer Gorgonzola Butts”. The comics were always the same. Lucifer, who was never seen in the comics, experimented with extremely complicated machines that performed very simple tasks: using a napkin, watering the plants or making orange juice. Goldberg died in 1970, his legacy, though, goes on. "Rube Goldberg machines” are a genre on YouTube and TikTok and have appeared in many films and TV series. These machines even have their own Guinness World Record.
This said, with this lesson plan, teachers can design an activity-based lesson that incorporates all five elements of the design process. As a problem-solving exercise, learners have the task of designing a Rube Goldberg machine that can extinguish a candle. The machine should consist of at least three separate components and include a blower. Moreover, the machine should be built using recycled materials. Once finished and tested, the blower should be repurposed and used as a garden whirl.
Example of a Rube Goldberg machine:
FOTO
Source
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k6nhID36eA4
Learning objectives
- Learners will understand the STEAM concepts and the engineering design process and apply them transversally through practice.
- Learners will learn about the engineering design process and how to apply it to design and build a functional Rube Goldberg machine.
- Learners will use their creativity and critical thinking skills to come up with innovative solutions to this upcycling challenge.
Materials
For the construction of the Rube Goldberg machine, learners can use any kind of recycled material, but priority should be given to materials coming from school waste. For example, using cans (drink cans), cups (yoghurt cups) and containers (baby wipe boxes) saves a lot of money on classroom materials and teaches good environmental habits.
More examples
- Upcycled materials: cardboard boxes, plastic bottles, old toys (marbles or balls), among others.
- Crafting materials and stationery: Glue, tape, scissors, measuring tools (ruler, protractor, among others)
Grouping and interaction
Duration: 2-3 class periods (depending on the complexity of the project)
Interaction: Teams (3 - 4 people per group)
Description of the activity
Learners design and build a Rube Goldberg machine using upcycled materials. (The STEAM approach and the engineering design process are incorporated transversely into this lesson plan).
STEAM Concepts:
- Science: gravity, motion, energy, force.
- Technology: using tools and materials to build a machine.
- Engineering: applying the engineering design process to create a functional machine.
- Arts: designing the machine to be visually appealing.
- Maths: measuring and calculating distances, angles, and other variables.
Engineering Design Process > The engineering design process is a series of steps that engineers follow to find a solution to a problem (see Module 4 to learn more about this topic).
Day 1
Introduction:
- Introduce the concept of Rube Goldberg machines and show examples of different machines in action (you can use this video https://youtu.be/k6nhID36eA4).
- Explain to your learners that the session involves a series of steps that they must follow (Engineering Design Process). Also, tell them that the activity they will be taking part in will test their creativity as they will be experimenting with different ways to turn ordinary things into a machine that can blow candles.
- The Design Process https://www.pbslearningmedia.org/resource/adptech12.sci.engin.design.idsprocess/the-design-process/
Procedure:
- Steps 2 & 3 > Brainstorm/Design - Explain the project objective (see Introduction of the topic) and review the engineering design process.
- Teaching aid:
- Simple Machines and the Rube Goldberg Challenge https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nf094faga5w&list=RDCMUCpRCG3gGtWqieJe-LGmi93w&index=3
- Hands-on activity - Design and Build a Rube Goldberg https://www.teachengineering.org/activities/view/cub_simp_machines_lesson05_activity1
- Divide Learners into small groups and distribute materials. Learners brainstorm ideas for their machines and begin designing a blueprint or sketch.
- Learners continue designing their machine, incorporating STEAM concepts and following the steps of the engineering design process.
- Encourage learners to use upcycled materials as much as possible. Monitor and assist learners as they work on their designs. Learners should have a clear plan and blueprint for their machine by the end of Day 1.
Day 2
- Step 4 > Build (Test & Evaluate / Redesign) - Learners begin building their machine, following their blueprint and making adjustments as needed.
- Encourage learners to work collaboratively and communicate effectively within their group. Monitor and assist learners as they build their machine.
Day 3
*Depending on the complexity one more day can be added to the planning.
- Learners finish building their machine. Groups test their machine and make any necessary adjustments.
- Encourage learners to evaluate their machine's performance and consider ways to improve it.
Day 4
- Step 5 > Sharing solutions - Learners present their machine to the class and explain the STEAM concepts they used (e.g. gravity, motion, tools used).
- Encourage learners to be creative and incorporate artistic elements into their presentations. Classmates ask questions and provide feedback on each group's machine.
Use of the device you created - sustainability of the artefact
As these are machines that are not meant to last, this activity incorporates assessment guidelines for teachers.
Learners will be assessed on their ability to:
- Work collaboratively and communicate effectively within their group.
- Apply STEAM concepts and the engineering design process to design and build a functional Rube Goldberg machine.
- Use upcycled materials creatively and effectively.
- Evaluate their machine's performance and make necessary adjustments.
- Present their machine and explain the STEAM concepts and engineering design process they used.
Extra activities
NASA STEM Engagement: NASA provides a wide range of STEM activities and resources for learners of all ages. Engineering design challenges relating to space exploration can be found.
https://www.nasa.gov/stem
Explore TeachingEnglish.org's extensive library of K12 activities, lessons, and challenges within their STEM Curriculum: www.teachengineering.org/curriculum/browse?EngineeringCategory=Full%20design
