Rube Goldberg Science Challenge

So what are all of the silly science supplies for?!? Well, we are challenging our students to get a ping-pong ball into a cup in no less than 10 steps. Part of the challenge is to use newly gained knowledge about simple machines. Rube Goldberg is infamous for his complicated interpretations of simple tasks, thus he is the namesake to this challenge. Here's a fun website to check out:

http://www.oobject.com/category/best-rube-goldberg-machines-videos/


I have included the supply list and challenge information in this post. Feel free to generate ideas for this challenge with your child at home. However, they will be working in a small group at school with specified time limits and supplies.



Rube Goldberg Contest Rules and Regulations

Challenge: get the ball in to the cup.

The demonstration must complete the task as described in the challenge.

The demonstration must be no larger than 4'x2'.

The machine must have a minimum of ten steps. There is no maximum number of steps.

The machine must run for at least thirty-five and no longer than sixty seconds.

Any loose or flying objects must remain within the set boundaries of the machine. This includes drops of water, remnants of balloons, and other “small objects”.

No electronic devices.

Demonstration must include the use of at least three simple machines.

Demonstration parts and ideas will fall within guidelines of the approved supply list.

Groups of 3-4 are required. Registration forms must be filled out and ok'd by Chiu, Loeung, Leone or Lutes.

Student Materials List

5 3x5 index cards
6 standard rubber bands
6 jumbo paper clips
5 thumb tacks
2 bottles of Elmers glue
2 small dixie cups
5 sheets of copy paper
10 pipe cleaners
3 ft string
5 toilet paper rolls
5 paper towel rolls
1 ping-pong ball
2 sets of chopsticks
1 roll of masking tape
1 pulley
10 screws
1 2x4 plywood platform
1 wooden slat