Physics 11 Project – Rube Goldberg Machine (Simple Machines) Due: ______
This project may be done individually or in pairs. Each student is responsible for finding their own materials for this project (you will not be reimbursed monetarily for any supplies you buy).
Please note: if you choose to work with a partner, you will both be given the same mark even if they did not do much or any work. If you pair up, there is no dumping them at any time once the decision has been made. Please notify your teacher if you are working with a partner or individually. The teacher will record this information.
Your mission: to build a Rube Goldberg Machine using a minimum of 12 steps in the sequence, a minimum of 4 machines must be used, and each machine may only be used a maximum of 4 times. A detailed report of the development of the project (including the drawing) must be submitted on the due date.
A “Rube Goldberg Machine” is an extremely complicated device that executes a very simple task in a complex, indirect way. By using a series of simple machines (incline plane, lever, pulley, screw, wedge, wheel and axle).
Procedure and Rules:
1. You must make a drawing of your Rube Goldberg machine listing all 12 or more steps with the proper names of the different simple machines.
2. You must build and mount your apparatus on a wooden or solid platform. Your project must be able to be transported to school and be no bigger than 1.5 m x 1.5 m x 1.5 m.
3. You must demonstrate your device using the proper terms to identify the different simple machines. Then you will physically demonstrate your device to the class.
4. You may not launch, shoot, or catapult anything from the apparatus against people, the wall, or the ceiling.
5. Any and all messes created by your machine will be cleaned up by you! You may not use any form of food (solid, liquid, or gas) except liquid water, to complete the sequence of events.
6. You may only use the same type of simple machine 4 times to successfully complete this assignment (1st, 2nd, and 3rd class levers all count as the same type of simple machine).
7. No use of fire or explosives.
The task: to develop a Rube Goldberg machine that will i) squeeze a minimum of a 1 cm length of toothpaste on a toothbrush ii) sound a gong using a mallet iii) have a switch turn on a light or a buzzer iv) put a golf ball in a hole v) raising a flag on a pole vi) have a ball launch into a Styrofoam cup.
The official Rube Goldberg Site can be used to get more background on who Rube Goldberg was as well as how to build a Rube Goldberg machine. http://www.rubegoldberg.com/
Please read the rubric carefully to determine what must accompany the machine in terms of a write-up. You must pass in the rubric with your report – before the presentation.
Late marks will apply if you or a member of your group are not able to present the day the project is due (no matter the excuse).
Group Members:
1. ______
2. ______
Assign the following tasks:
______squeeze a minimum of a 1 cm length of toothpaste on a toothbrush
______sound a gong using a mallet
______have a switch turn on a light or a buzzer
______put a golf ball in a hole
______raising a flag on a pole
______have a ball launch into a Styrofoam cup
in order (1 being highest and 6 being lowest) of priority. Tasks will be assigned to groups.