Practice
You are going to build your own Rube Goldberg machine.
You will start with the plan you made last time but you must add at least two other kinds of simple machines. You may use more but there needs to be at least three in your design. The purpose of the machine can be whatever you like.
After you make your plan, create a design. A prototype is optional.
Next build the machine.
Once you have built the final machine, test it to see if you need to make adjustments or improvements.
Write all your observations, steps, and test results to submit as your portfolio. If possible, include pictures of your machine.
Plan:
1. Step 1: A ball rolls down a ramp (inclined plane)
2. Step 2: The ball hits a lever (simple machine) causing it to swing
3. Step 3: The lever pushes a marble down a tube (pulley system)
4. Step 4: The marble hits a domino, triggering a chain reaction leading to a small toy car moving forward (wheel and axle)
5. Step 5: The toy car hits a switch, turning on a fan to blow a pinwheel
Design:
- Materials: cardboard, duct tape, marbles, dominoes, toy car, switch, fan, pinwheel
- Build a sturdy frame for the ramp, lever, and tube
- Place the dominoes in a line leading to the toy car
- Attach the switch and fan to a stable base
Prototype:
- Create a small-scale model using cardboard and marbles to test the basic functions of the machine
Build:
- Construct the full-sized Rube Goldberg machine based on the design and prototype
- Make sure all components are securely attached and aligned properly
Testing:
- Test each step individually to ensure they work correctly
- Run a full test of the entire machine
- Note any issues or areas for improvement, such as adjusting the angle of the ramp or the placement of the dominoes
Observations:
- The ball rolled smoothly down the ramp and hit the lever as expected
- The lever swung and pushed the marble down the tube successfully
- The chain reaction with the dominoes leading to the toy car worked well
- The toy car hit the switch and turned on the fan to blow the pinwheel
- Overall, the machine worked according to plan and was a success
Improvements:
- Adjust the angle of the ramp for more consistent ball movement
- Secure the dominoes more firmly to prevent any from falling prematurely
- Add more elements to make the machine more complex and intriguing
By following this process, you can create a fun and engaging Rube Goldberg machine that incorporates multiple simple machines and demonstrates principles of physics and engineering.