Students in Joy's Science class had fun creating their own Rube Goldberg machines. They have been studying the transfer of energy. Rube Goldberg machines are a perfect tangible way for students to experiment with how this transfer works.
After watching videos and reviewing pictures of other Rube Goldberg machines, the students went to work. The hands-on STEAM lesson allowed them to design, draw and build their own Rube Goldberg machine.These machines were designed to complete a simple job. A series of devices or connected machines were set up -- each one designed to trigger the next machine through a transfer of energy. These experiments were both educational and entertaining to build and watch.
The students needed to use at least 6 different connected machines, or transfers of energy, to complete the task of their choice. They started with paper, a marker, supplies in the room or from home and their imagination. They persevered setting up trial after trial and ended with these creative machines that were just as much fun to build as they are to watch. STEAM projects like this are a cornerstone of Joy's Middle School Science curriculum. Each year she designs the course around a major STEAM project. Watch the videos to see the excitement as the students test their machines.
Enjoy the videos!