Rube Goldberg Machine

Phase One: The Blueprint

In groups of 3, you will create your own Rube Goldberg machine that can accomplish one or
more of the following tasks as the result:
● Turning a light on ● Popping a balloon
● Making a bell ring ● Filling a cup of water
● Turning something on/off ● Making a “trick shot”

If you have another idea for a task, you can ask your teacher.

*Your Rube Goldberg machine must include the following*

1. 4 or more different simple machines
2. 8 or more steps
3. Be able to perform the task more than once

After picking your task, it is time to start brainstorming what materials you will need and
beginning your design. DO NOT use flammable or combustible material, or anything else that
may cause you or your classmate’s harm. If in doubt, please ask your teacher. You and your
group are responsible for bringing the materials you need. Do not purchase new materials,
instead make use of recyclable and reusable items. Your group is responsible for bringing a box
or bin to store your supplies. Possible materials you may use include the following, but are not
limited to:
● Marbles ● Golf Balls ● Hot Wheels Tracks
● Pins, nails, tacks ● Paper Towel Rolls ● Ping Pong Balls
● Wheels ● Elastic Bands ● Plastic Containers
● Glue ● Popsicle sticks ● Tape
● Hot Glue ● String/Yarn ● Cardboard
● Paper ● Wire ● Wooden Blocks
● Hot Wheels Cars ● Lego ● Dominoes
● Wood ● Cards

The Blueprint
● Completed on paper or digitally (Google Draw, etc.)
● 4 simple machines clearly labelled
● 8 or more steps listed
● Well organized and clear (use a ruler, arrows/lines to label, clear writing, etc.)
● List of materials you will be using on the back of your paper

You will be presenting your blueprint with your group to your teacher on: Tuesday April 20th
 Blueprint Rubric

Outcome: Develops Skills for Inquiry and Communication (Group Assessment)

Level Exemplary Well Done Proficient Developing

Criteria 4 3 2 1

Simple 4 or more 4 or more Blueprint is Blueprint is

Machines and simple machines simple machines missing some missing several
are included & are included & labels and/or labels and/or
Steps
clearly labelled clearly labelled. steps. steps.
8 or more steps 8 or more steps
are clearly are clearly
labeled and labeled and
identified. identified.

Organization Blueprint is well Blueprint is well Blueprint is Blueprint is

organized and organized but somewhat generally
the sequence is the sequence organized but disorganized
easy to follow. lacks some lacks some and lacks clarity.
clarity. clarity.