"Chain Reaction Creation Challenge: Forces in Motion!"

8th Grade

Project
1 week

"Chain Reaction Creation Challenge: Forces in Motion!"

Jayden Rodriguez

Purpose

The purpose of this project is to engage students in a hands-on exploration of forces and motion by designing and building a Rube Goldberg machine. Through this creative engineering challenge, students will apply scientific principles to solve problems, test their designs, and optimize their machines for efficiency and accuracy. This project encourages collaboration, critical thinking, and innovation, culminating in a dynamic showcase of their learning through a live demonstration and video presentation.

Learning goals

Students will explore and apply the principles of forces and motion by designing, building, and optimizing a Rube Goldberg machine. They will develop problem-solving and critical thinking skills as they iterate on their designs to improve efficiency and accuracy. Students will enhance their communication skills through reflective journaling and presenting their projects, articulating their understanding of the scientific concepts involved.

Standards

NGSS - MS-PS2-2: Plan an investigation to provide evidence that the change in an object's motion depends on the sum of the forces on the object and the mass of the object.
NGSS - MS-ETS1-4: Develop a model to generate data for iterative testing and modification of a proposed object, tool, or process such that an optimal design can be achieved.
Common Core - CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.8.5: Integrate multimedia and visual displays into presentations to clarify information, strengthen claims and evidence, and add interest.

Products

Students will collaboratively design and construct a Rube Goldberg machine, documenting each step of their process in a detailed design journal. They will produce a video presentation that illustrates their machine's operation, highlighting the application of forces and motion principles. The project culminates in a live demonstration at the 'Chain Reaction Challenge' event, where their machine's performance will be evaluated based on creativity and functionality.

Launch

Kick off the project with an engaging demonstration of a simple Rube Goldberg machine to spark curiosity and excitement. Follow this with a brainstorming session where students identify everyday tasks that could be transformed into a Rube Goldberg challenge. Encourage them to sketch initial ideas, focusing on how forces and motion can be creatively utilized in their designs.

Exhibition

Host a 'Chain Reaction Challenge' event where students showcase their Rube Goldberg machines in a live demonstration. Invite members of the school community to serve as judges for categories such as 'Most Creative Design' and 'Smoothest Operation'. Encourage students to explain their design process and how their machine illustrates the principles of forces and motion. This event will provide a platform for students to celebrate their learning and creativity with peers, teachers, and family members.

Week 1	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4	Day 5
Activities	Activity 1: Kick off the project with a demonstration of a simple Rube Goldberg machine to spark excitement. Students brainstorm everyday tasks that can be transformed into a Rube Goldberg challenge and sketch initial designs focusing on forces and motion.	Activity 2: In small groups, students select a task and finalize their initial design sketches. They identify the specific principles of forces and motion to be demonstrated at each stage of the machine.	Activity 3: Gather materials and begin constructing the first segment of their Rube Goldberg machines, testing each component to ensure it functions as intended.	Activity 4: Continue building and linking segments of the machine, paying attention to the optimization of forces and motion. Students should iterate on their designs based on initial testing results.	Activity 5: Conduct a full test run of the complete Rube Goldberg machine, noting areas for improvement. Students document their progress in a daily reflection journal, focusing on challenges and solutions.
Deliverables	1. Deliverable 1: Completed design sketch and plan outlining how the Rube Goldberg machine will operate. 2. Deliverable 2: Daily reflection journal entries documenting the design process, challenges, and application of forces and motion principles.
Preparation	1. Prep Task 1: Collect and prepare materials such as dominoes, marbles, ramps, levers, pulleys, string, and other common Rube Goldberg machine components. 2. Prep Task 2: Set up a demonstration station for the initial Rube Goldberg machine example to inspire students and provide a clear understanding of the project goals. 3. Prep Task 3: Prepare guidelines and handouts detailing the principles of forces and motion relevant to the project for student reference. 4. Prep Task 4: Create a schedule and sign-up sheet for students to present their final machine at the 'Chain Reaction Challenge' event.