"Rube-tastic: The Chain Reaction Challenge!"

8th, Middle School Grades

Project
1 week

"Rube-tastic: The Chain Reaction Challenge!"

Angel A

Purpose

The purpose of this project is to engage students in the hands-on application of engineering principles by designing and constructing a Rube Goldberg machine. Through this creative process, students will explore forces and motion, emphasizing iterative testing and optimization to enhance their designs. This project fosters collaboration, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills, culminating in a demonstration and film festival that celebrates their innovative solutions and learning experiences.

Learning goals

Students will explore and apply key engineering principles such as forces, motion, and energy transfer while designing and constructing their Rube Goldberg machines. They will develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills as they iterate on their designs, optimizing for efficiency and accuracy. By reflecting on their processes and participating in demonstrations and discussions, students will enhance their communication and collaboration abilities, gaining a deeper understanding of the engineering design process.

Standards

NGSS - MS-PS2-2: Plan an investigation to provide evidence that a 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 design and construct a Rube Goldberg machine that demonstrates principles of forces and motion. Throughout the project, they will maintain a reflection journal documenting their design process and iterations. The final product will include a video recording of their machine in action, edited for the 'Rube Goldberg Film Festival,' showcasing their engineering journey and the machine's functionality.

Launch

Begin the project with an engaging hands-on activity where students collaboratively build a simple chain reaction using everyday classroom items, such as dominoes, marbles, and ramps. This will spark curiosity and provide a tangible introduction to the concepts of forces and motion. Following the activity, facilitate a discussion where students brainstorm potential ideas for their Rube Goldberg machines, encouraging them to consider how each element can connect to achieve a seamless sequence.

Exhibition

Host a 'Rube Goldberg Film Festival' where students showcase videos of their machines in action. Compile the videos into a short film to be screened for an audience, followed by a panel discussion. During the panel, students will reflect on their learning journey, discussing the design process, challenges faced, and how they refined their machines.

Week 1	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4	Day 5
Activities	Activity 1: Kick off the project with a hands-on introduction to forces and motion. Students will work in small groups to create simple chain reactions using dominoes and marbles, experimenting with different force applications to set the stage for complex machine design.	Activity 2: Facilitate a brainstorming session where students sketch initial concepts for their Rube Goldberg machines. Encourage creativity and practicality by considering how each element will interact to form a cohesive sequence.	Activity 3: Allow students time to plan and draft detailed blueprints for their machines. They should outline each step of the process, identifying the forces at play and potential challenges they might face.	Activity 4: Begin construction of the Rube Goldberg machine. Students will gather materials and start building, focusing on the initial steps of their design. Encourage them to test each component as they go to ensure functionality.	Activity 5: Conduct a peer review session where students present their progress and provide feedback on each other's designs. This will help them identify areas for improvement and refine their approach.
Deliverables	1. Deliverable 1: Each student group submits a detailed blueprint of their Rube Goldberg machine, including a description of the forces involved and a plan for iterative testing and optimization. 2. Deliverable 2: Students submit a reflection journal entry detailing their brainstorming process, initial design ideas, and any challenges faced during the initial construction phase.
Preparation	1. Prep Task 1: Gather and organize materials for the initial hands-on activity, including dominoes, marbles, ramps, and other simple objects to demonstrate chain reactions. 2. Prep Task 2: Prepare a template for the reflection journal to guide students in documenting their design process and thought development. 3. Prep Task 3: Provide resources on engineering principles related to forces and motion, including video examples of Rube Goldberg machines for inspiration. 4. Prep Task 4: Set up a collaborative space where students can build and test their machines, ensuring access to necessary tools and safety equipment. 5. Prep Task 5: Organize a schedule for peer review sessions, allowing time for each group to present and receive feedback.