Launch
Launch
Students will experience the Rube Goldberg Design Lab kickoff by analyzing a live chain-reaction demo, identifying cause-and-effect steps, spotting simple machines and science ideas in action, and completing a short first-build challenge that introduces the project goal of designing a safe, reliable machine for a clear final task.
Day 1
Research & Empathy
Research & Empathy
Students will analyze real Rube Goldberg examples, gather user and audience input, and turn that evidence into clear design criteria, constraints, and early machine directions for a safe, reliable final build.
Days 2 - 5
Prototype & Feedback
Prototype & Feedback
Students will turn their research and early ideas into a tested prototype plan, build quick low-fidelity versions, gather peer and user feedback, and complete at least two documented revision cycles before moving toward a stronger final build.
Days 6 - 9
Refine & Showcase
Refine & Showcase
Students will refine their Rube Goldberg machines into reliable, audience-ready builds by using testing evidence, peer and expert feedback, and structured revision cycles. They will complete a design conference, improve weak steps, document fixes across repeated trials, rehearse a live walkthrough, and prepare for a stakeholder-facing showcase that explains how force, motion, energy transfer, simple machines, and revision decisions shaped the final machine.
Days 10 - 13
Showcase
Showcase
Students will present their finished Rube Goldberg machines to an authentic audience, complete the three-in-a-row reliability challenge with a live step-by-step walkthrough, gather gallery walk feedback, and document how testing, revisions, safety habits, and teamwork shaped the final result.
Day 14
Launch
Days 1–1
Day 1
⚙️ Chain Reaction Reveal
Launch
75m
Research & Empathy
Days 2–5
Day 2
🕵️ Rube Machine Evidence Sort
Knowledge/Skill Building
75m
Day 3
🎤 Showcase User Interview Sprint
Community Experience
75m
Day 4
📋 Criteria and Constraints Draft
Knowledge/Skill Building
75m
Day 5
🔁 Design Brief Feedback Round
Assessment
75m
Prototype & Feedback
Days 6–9
Day 6
🧭 Design Brief and Step Map
Knowledge/Skill Building
75m
Day 7
✏️ Three Concept Sketch Sprint
Knowledge/Skill Building
45m
Day 8
🛠️ Cardboard Prototype Build
Project Work
105m
Day 9
👥 Design Conference and User Test
Assessment
75m
Refine & Showcase
Days 10–13
Day 10
🧭 Design Conference and Build Gate
Knowledge/Skill Building
60m
Day 11
🛠️ Reliability Fix Lab
Project Work
75m
Day 12
🎯 Three-Run Reliability Challenge
Assessment
75m
Day 13
🗣️ Live Walkthrough Rehearsal
Deliverable
60m
Showcase
Days 14–14
Day 14
🎤 Chain Reaction Expo Run
Assessment
75m
September 2026
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
28
Day 1
Launch
⚙️ Chain Reaction Reveal
29
Day 2
Research & Empathy
🕵️ Rube Machine Evidence Sort
October 2026
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
5
Day 3
🎤 Showcase User Interview Sprint
6
Day 4
📋 Criteria and Constraints Draft
12
Day 5
🔁 Design Brief Feedback Round
13
Day 6
Prototype & Feedback
🧭 Design Brief and Step Map
19
Day 7
✏️ Three Concept Sketch Sprint
20
Day 8
🛠️ Cardboard Prototype Build
26
Day 9
👥 Design Conference and User Test
27
Day 10
Refine & Showcase
🧭 Design Conference and Build Gate
November 2026
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
2
Day 11
🛠️ Reliability Fix Lab
3
Day 12
🎯 Three-Run Reliability Challenge
9
Day 13
🗣️ Live Walkthrough Rehearsal
10
Day 14
Showcase
🎤 Chain Reaction Expo Run