"Rube-tastic Energy Chain Reaction Challenge!"

High School Grade

Project
3 weeks

"Rube-tastic Energy Chain Reaction Challenge!"

SUSAN WANJIRU MBURU

Purpose

The purpose of this project is to engage high school students in a hands-on, collaborative exploration of energy conservation and transfer through the design and construction of a Rube Goldberg machine. By utilizing recycled materials, students will creatively demonstrate their understanding of these scientific principles while fostering innovation and teamwork. The culminating exhibition allows students to showcase their creations and articulate their learning journey, reinforcing their grasp of energy concepts and inspiring curiosity and problem-solving skills.

Learning goals

Students will develop a deeper understanding of energy conservation and transfer by designing and building a Rube Goldberg machine. They will enhance their problem-solving and collaboration skills through the iterative design process, using innovative materials and mechanisms. Additionally, students will refine their communication and presentation abilities by creating video presentations and participating in the Rube Goldberg Gala, where they will articulate their design choices and the scientific principles involved.

Standards

NGSS - HS-PS3-3: Design, build, and refine a device that works within given constraints to convert one form of energy into another form of energy.
NGSS - HS-PS3-4: Plan and conduct an investigation to provide evidence that the transfer of thermal energy when two components of different temperatures are combined within a closed system results in a more uniform energy distribution among the components.
Common Core - CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.CCRA.SL.4: Present information, findings, and supporting evidence such that listeners can follow the line of reasoning and the organization, development, and style are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience.

Products

Students will design and construct a Rube Goldberg machine using recycled materials to creatively demonstrate energy conservation and transfer. Throughout the project, they will document their process and insights in a weekly reflection journal. The final product will be showcased at a school-wide 'Rube Goldberg Gala,' where students will present their machines, explain their design choices, and discuss the energy principles involved. Each team will also produce a video presentation detailing the construction and function of their machine, emphasizing the conservation and transfer of energy.

Launch

Kick off the project with a dynamic 'Chain Reaction Challenge' where students are divided into small teams to create a simple chain reaction using everyday objects. This engaging activity will spark creativity and collaboration as students explore basic concepts of energy transfer. Encourage students to think outside the box and experiment with innovative materials, setting the stage for deeper exploration in their Rube Goldberg machine designs.

Exhibition

Host a dynamic 'Rube Goldberg Gala' where students present their machines to peers, teachers, and family members in an interactive showcase. Each team will perform live demonstrations, explaining their design choices and the energy conservation principles at play. Attendees can engage with the students through Q&A sessions, providing an opportunity for students to articulate their learning and creative process. The exhibition will serve as a celebration of innovation, collaboration, and the application of scientific concepts in a real-world context.

Week 1	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4	Day 5
Activities	Introduction and Project Launch - Introduce the Rube Goldberg project and essential question, and conduct the 'Chain Reaction Challenge' to spark creativity and collaboration (45 min)	Energy Basics Workshop - Explore basic principles of energy conservation and transfer through hands-on experiments and discussions (30 min) Recycled Materials Brainstorm - Identify and discuss innovative ways to use recycled materials in Rube Goldberg machines (15 min)	Design Ideation Session - Begin sketching and planning Rube Goldberg machine designs based on energy principles and materials brainstormed on Day 2 (30 min) Team Formation and Roles - Form teams and assign roles based on individual strengths and interests (15 min)	Prototype Development - Start building a simple prototype of one segment of the Rube Goldberg machine using gathered materials (35 min) Initial Feedback Session - Peer review of prototypes with constructive feedback to refine designs (10 min)	Reflection and Journal Entry - Reflect on the week's learning and document insights and challenges encountered in the reflection journal (15 min) Design Refinement - Use feedback and reflections to make adjustments and improvements to the Rube Goldberg machine designs (30 min)
Deliverables	1. Reflection Journal Entry: A detailed reflection journal entry documenting their experiences and learning from the Chain Reaction Challenge and their initial exploration of energy principles. 2. Initial Sketch and Plan: Each team submits an initial sketch and detailed plan of their Rube Goldberg machine design including materials list and sequence of events.
Preparation	1. Gather everyday objects for the Chain Reaction Challenge (e.g., dominoes, marbles, ramps, etc.). 2. Set up interactive stations for energy principles exploration with necessary materials and instructions. 3. Ensure access to art supplies for sketching (e.g., paper, pencils, rulers, colored pencils). 4. Coordinate with local recycling centers for material collection visits or create a system for students to bring recycled materials from home. 5. Prepare guidelines and templates for design planning, including a checklist for energy principles.

Week 2	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4	Day 5
Activities	Material Collection and Organization - Gather and categorize recycled materials for use in the Rube Goldberg machine (25 min) Energy Transfer Exploration - Investigate different mechanisms of energy transfer through hands-on experiments and group discussions (20 min)	Detailed Design Planning - Develop detailed plans for Rube Goldberg machine segments focusing on energy conservation principles (25 min) Peer Design Feedback - Exchange design plans with peers for constructive feedback and suggestions (20 min)	Construction Phase 1 - Begin constructing the first segment of the Rube Goldberg machine, ensuring energy transfer mechanisms are effective (35 min) Problem-solving Workshop - Address construction challenges and discuss solutions in small groups (10 min)	Construction Phase 2 - Continue building additional segments of the Rube Goldberg machine, integrating feedback and refining designs (30 min) Mid-project Reflection - Document progress and insights in the reflection journal, identifying areas for improvement (15 min)	Testing and Iteration - Conduct initial tests of the constructed segments to observe energy transfer and make necessary adjustments (30 min) Team Checkpoint - Review goals and progress with team members, setting objectives for the final construction phase (15 min)
Deliverables	1. A detailed design sketch of the Rube Goldberg machine, highlighting the steps and energy transfer processes. 2. A functioning prototype of the Rube Goldberg machine or a portion of it that demonstrates at least one successful energy transfer. 3. A reflection journal entry that captures the learning progress, challenges, and insights on energy conservation.
Preparation	1. Gather recycled materials such as cardboard, plastic bottles, string, and other household items for construction. 2. Provide access to online resources, videos, and articles on Rube Goldberg machines and energy principles. 3. Organize tools and supplies such as scissors, glue, tape, and measuring instruments for prototyping. 4. Set up a designated workspace for each team to build and test their machines. 5. Prepare a feedback template or rubric to guide peer review sessions.

Week 3	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4	Day 5
Activities	Final Construction Push - Complete assembly of the Rube Goldberg machine, ensuring all components function correctly and align with energy conservation principles (30 min) Peer Review and Feedback - Conduct a peer review session where teams evaluate each other's machines and suggest improvements, focusing on energy transfer mechanisms (15 min)	Video Presentation Preparation - Develop and rehearse video presentations detailing the design, construction, and scientific principles of the machine (30 min) Reflection Journal Entry - Reflect on the project's progress and document insights gained about energy conservation and teamwork (15 min)	Video Presentation Recording - Record and edit video presentations, ensuring clear explanation of how the machine demonstrates energy conservation (45 min)	Exhibition Setup - Arrange the exhibition space and prepare machines for the school-wide 'Rube Goldberg Gala,' focusing on display aesthetics and functionality (20 min) Dress Rehearsal - Conduct a full rehearsal of the live demonstration and presentation, refining speaking points and addressing any technical issues (25 min)	Rube Goldberg Gala - Host the exhibition, presenting machines to peers, teachers, and family, and engage in Q&A sessions to discuss design choices and energy principles (45 min)
Deliverables	1. Completed Rube Goldberg machine incorporating recycled materials. 2. Video presentation explaining the design, construction, and function of their Rube Goldberg machine. 3. Weekly reflection journal entry detailing the final construction process, challenges faced, and their understanding of energy conservation.
Preparation	1. Prepare exhibition space for the 'Rube Goldberg Gala' with appropriate stations for each team's machine. 2. Gather video recording equipment and software for students to create and edit their presentations. 3. Ensure availability of any last-minute materials or tools students might need to finalize their machines. 4. Set up feedback forms for attendees to provide input on each team's machine and presentation during the exhibition.