Project 1: Rube Goldberg Device
Rube Goldberg was a cartoonist who drew very elaborate and wacky designs for performing simple tasks. These were deliberately over-engineered or overdone devices that performed a very simple task in a very complex fashion. In fact, the dictionary defines Rube Goldberg as follows: Of, relating to, or being a contrivance that brings about by complicated means what apparently could have been accomplished simply.
Your team (3 or 4 people) will build a Rube Goldberg device. You will compete against the other teams in the class.
Educational Goal: To gain experience in the following: executing the design process, making simple devices that work, utilizing a decision matrix, logging design activities
Requirements:
If using liquid(s), ALL liquid(s) must be 100% contained.
Tips: First, decide what your device will do. There are plenty of examples of machines on the internet, but use your own eyes and ears while you go through your day. Brainstorm goal ideas with your team. Second, decide on what energy sources your team will use (the energy sources can change as you construct and test the device). Lastly, develop the steps your device will go through.
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