Introduction
Have you ever made something more complicated than it has to be? In today's lesson, that's exactly what you'll do. Your goal is to complete a very simple task by creating a complex chain reaction. This is called a Rube Goldberg machine. First, you'll learn more about Rube Goldberg and chain reactions, then you can create your own using the forces you've learned about!
Complete the graphic organizer as you go: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1LjdziZu-fybS6Jb9FZnCPJnpMn0wI6aFByG4cMVGx0Q/copy
Task
First, read over the sources with your partner. Take notes on your graphic organizer as you read. Once you have completed the organizer, answer the questions that follow.
After completing the activities, you will be able to create your own Rube Goldberg machine using supplies in our classroom. It should have at least three identifiable forces and complete a simple task. You can research ideas if needed.
Process
Read About Forces
DEFINITION OF FORCE: A force is a push or pull. Sometimes forces cause objects to move, and sometimes forces slow, stop, or change the direction of an object’s motion. Gravity is an example of a force that pulls all objects toward the center of the Earth. When you jump on a trampoline, gravity constantly pulls you down. To better understand how balanced and unbalanced forces work…
Use this link to read more about forces: https://www.generationgenius.com/wp-content/uploads/reading-material/balanced-unbalanced-forces-reading-material-grades-3-5.pdf (This is required.)
Rube Goldberg Machines
Rube Goldberg (1883–1970) was a Pulitzer Prize-winning American cartoonist, inventor, innovator, and the only person whose name is an adjective in Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary.
Rube’s invention cartoons are only a small part of his life’s work, yet they define his career. A Rube Goldberg Machine® solves a simple problem in the most ridiculously inefficient way possible. Their funny functionality invites us to think more deeply about machines and mechanized processes, gadgets and technologies, and the very human ways in which we use them.
In Webster’s Third New International Dictionary, “rube goldberg” is an entry. The definition is “accomplishing by extremely complex roundabout means what actually or seemingly can be done simply.” American artist Rube Goldberg was a masterful satirist who used cartoons to poke fun at the often unnecessary complications of modern technology. The devices he created in his cartoons won a lasting place in American popular culture.
If you'd like to learn more about Rube Goldberg, use this link: https://www.rubegoldberg.org/ (This is optional.)
Here is a video of a Rube Goldberg-type machine called "The Page Turner."
QUIZ
1. What is a force? __________________________________________________________
2. A force has ___________ and ____________. (Choose TWO)
a. direction
b. balance
c. strength
d. gravity
3. True or False: Unbalanced forces change the motion of an object.
4. What does it mean when forces are balanced?
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
5. ______________ is the force that attracts objects toward the Earth.
6. Which of the following is NOT a type of a force?
a. push
b. pull
c. gravity
d. magnetic force
e. These are all types of forces.
7. Who is Rube Goldberg?
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
8. Rube Goldberg created inventions in ________________.
9. True or False: Rube Goldberg is both the name of a person and an adjective.
10. List at least two examples of different types of forces you can find in the video.
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
Evaluation
Now that you have researched forces and have a better understanding of Rube Goldberg Machines, you are able to create one! Once everything is completed, turn in your graphic organizer and questions with written answers.
I will give each partner group a bag of supplies such as blocks, magnets, balls, ramps, and more. You are also welcome to use any supplies you have at your desk, such as pencils or erasers. Your job is to solve a simple problem, such as ringing a bell or picking up a pencil, with a complex series of chain reactions including at least three different forces. If you need help coming up with ideas, feel free to do more research or ask for suggestions. You will have the rest of class today as well as time tomorrow to work on your reactions. Then, you will draw a diagram of your model showing each of the forces.
Conclusion
Congratulations! You have learned about different forces and are applying this knowledge to create your own versions of a Rube Goldberg Machine.
I can't wait to see what you come up with!
Credits
All About Rube. (n.d.) The Rube Goldberg. https://www.rubegoldberg.org/all-about-rube/a-cultural-icon/
Balanced & unbalanced forces: Reading material: Grades 3-5. (2023, February 2). Generation Genius. https://www.generationgenius.com/balanced-and-unbalanced-forces-reading-material/
Rube Goldberg. (n.d.) Britannica Kids. https://kids.britannica.com/students/article/Rube-Goldberg/274589
The 3 Laws of Motion in Physics. (2021, February 5). The Science Academy. https://www.thescienceacademy.sg/the-3-laws-of-motion-in-physics/
Teacher Page
3-PS2-1
Performance Expectation: Plan and conduct an investigation to provide evidence of the effects of balanced and unbalanced forces on the motion of an object.
Clarification Statement: Examples could include an unbalanced force on one side of an object that can make it start moving, or balanced forces pushing on an object from opposite sides will not produce any motion at all. Investigations include one variable at a time: number, size, or direction of forces.
Disciplinary Core Ideas: Each force acts on one particular object and has both strength and a direction. An object at rest typically has multiple forces acting on it but they add to give zero net force on the object. (UE.PS2A.a)
Objects in contact exert forces on each other. (UE.PS2B.a)