Exploring Rube Goldberg Machines: Creativity in Motion

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Exploring Rube Goldberg Machines: Creativity in Motion

Learning objective

Learning Objectives

At the end of the lesson, you will know who Rube Goldberg is, research the history of his machines, discover their working principles, design a machine, and present it.

What do you already know about Rube Goldberg machines?

Who is Rube Goldberg?

Rube Goldberg was a cartoonist known for his drawings of complex machines that perform simple tasks in convoluted ways.

History of Rube Goldberg Machines

These machines became popular in the early 20th century, illustrating humor and creativity in solving simple tasks.

Principles of Rube Goldberg Machines

They use a series of simple machines and chain reactions to perform a simple task in a complicated way.

Simple Machines Recap

Simple machines include levers, pulleys, inclined planes, wheels and axles, screws, and wedges.

Design Challenge

Using classroom materials, design a Rube Goldberg machine with at least 4 simple machines.

Presentation Preparation

Prepare to present your design. Explain the steps and machines used in your Rube Goldberg machine.

Class Presentations

Each group

Write down 3 things you learned in this lesson.

Write down 2 things you want to know more about.

Ask 1 question about something you haven't quite understood yet.