WEEK ONE: Make a CRAZY CHAIN REACTION
WEEK ONE: Make a CRAZY CHAIN REACTION
Create a Rube Goldberg machine that can get a ball into a basket
SPECIFICATIONS:
It must have 3 obstacles that create a start, transition and end
The end obstacle must include a ball going into a basket
A Rube Goldberg Machine uses a range of different obstacles called simple machines to knock, push, pull, or lever objects to keep momentum going. The idea is that each obstacle creates an action that causes another..and another.
Usually when designing machines you would want make it simple. But not this time - Rube Goldberg machines are meant to be silly. Sillier the better!
You can use anything found around your house (with permission!) to create a chain reaction
Think about how you will get something to begin the movement. Will you tap it to start? or maybe swing something?
This is when one part then flows onto the next without you touching or moving anything
Your chain reaction must finish with a ball (of any size) going into a basket to complete and finish the machine
Brainstorm a series of actions that will happen in your machine. Make a pin pop a balloon. Send a toy car down a ramp. Make dominoes fall. Draw a blueprint plan for what you expect to happen. The most important action will be the first step — that’s what starts the entire machine.
Gather Your Materials
You can use almost anything to create your Rube Goldberg machine. Here are some ideas: dominoes, fans, PVC pipe, magnets, duct tape, marbles, cups or bowls, miniature toy cars, paper towel tubes, string.
Test and improve
As you create your machine, follow your blueprint and place your materials where you think they need to be. Practice makes perfect, so don’t expect your Rube Goldberg machine to work perfectly the first time you try it. There will be plenty of trial and error — and that’s OK. Adjust your materials and keep at it.
AND REMEMBER! I'm here to help. If you get stuck or need help to problem solve please contact me here
Deadline for this challenge is: Tuesday 28th April 6pm. Competition only available to NZ students