Building a Rube Goldberg Machine
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Objective
I can design a multi-step Rube Goldberg machine to perform a simple task.
Part 1 of 4
Warm-up video
SciShow Kids · 5:56Vetted channel
We don't generate video — this one is by SciShow Kids on YouTube. The practice questions and exit ticket below were drafted by AI for this objective, and every question is editable in the teacher guide.
Part 2 of 4
Key concepts
3 concepts
- 1
A Rube Goldberg machine uses a chain reaction to accomplish a simple task in an overly complicated way.
- 2
Two simple machines used in the cheese-serving machine were a lever and a pulley.
- 3
Rube Goldberg was an artist and engineer who drew cartoons of wacky inventions that performed simple tasks.
Part 3 of 4
Practice
7 questions
What is the purpose of a Rube Goldberg machine, according to the video?
Name two simple machines used in the cheese-serving Rube Goldberg machine featured in the video.
Part 4 of 4
Exit ticket
Quick comprehension check
“Describe the steps in a Rube Goldberg machine you would design to water a plant. Include at least 4 steps and identify at least two simple machines you would use.”
Sample answer included in the free materials
Get the materials
Teacher guide, student handout, and slides — free, in Google Docs format
Teacher Guide
Complete lesson plan with answer keys and alternate activities
Student Handout
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