Name __________________________________ Class _____
Name__________________________________
FR Haythorne Junior High
2016-2017
Grade 8 Mechanical Systems
Rube Goldberg Machine
(adapted from Alberta Science Foundation: Wonderville Challenge)
If you need ideas:
Check out wikihow.com – How to build a Homemade Rube
Goldberg
Project Objectives:
Use simple machines to create your own Rube Goldberg machine!
(A complicated invention designed to perform a simple operation.)
The challenge: It’s up to you!
Details:
 You may work alone OR with a partner.
 The machine must be intended complete a task - you get to decide what the task is!
(close a door, lift something up, spray a bottle etc…)
 The machine must have a minimum of 4 different simple machines
(inclined plane, wedge, lever, wheel and axle, pulley, screw).
 Gears and hydraulics are allowed, but not required.
 The input force must be one continuous movement
 No hazardous material/flames can be used in the machine
Once you have designed AND built the machine you will analyze it based on principles and
outcomes covered in your Grade 8 Mechanical Systems Unit. You will be required to be able to
answer questions specific to your machine and outcomes within the Mechanical Systems unit.
This project covers the following outcomes in the Mechanical Systems Unit:




Illustrate the development of science and technology by describing, comparing and interpreting
mechanical devices that have been improved over time
Analyze machines by describing the structures and functions of the overall system, the
subsystems and the component parts
Investigate and describe the transmission of force and energy between parts of a mechanical
system
Analyze the social and environmental contexts of science and technology, as they apply to the
development of mechanical device
Task intended for the machine to complete :
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
Brainstorming:
Think about what you will want to incorporate into your design. Indicate the simple machine
involved.
1. ___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
Simple machine: ________________________
2. ___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
Simple machine: ________________________
3. ___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
Simple machine: ________________________
4. ___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
Simple machine: ________________________
5. ___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
Simple machine: ________________________
6. ___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
Simple machine: ________________________
7. ___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
Simple machine: ________________________
What supplies would you need to accommodate your list above? Could you or your team
member acquire these supplies? Are there modifications you could make if not?
1. ___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
2. ___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
3. ___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
4. ___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
5. ___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
Sketch your machine on this page. This will form the basis of the scientific
drawing.
The Scientific Drawing
 Use unlined paper, a sharp pencil, a good quality eraser, and a ruler.
 Draw the device in side profile.
 Give yourself plenty of space. The diagram should be at least ½ page in size.
You need space to add labels and captions accurately.
 Label all machines. Using a ruler, draw a line from the detail you are naming
to the margin of the page. Make sure the line clearly touches the part you
are labeling. Do not use arrows.
 Label all materials. Use the same technique.
 All labels should be on the right side of the diagram, unless that makes it too
cluttered. Always print clearly.
 No lines used for labels should cross. Draw label lines parallel to each other.
 Keep the drawing simple.
 Shading or colouring is not used. If needed, a darker area can be shown
using stippling.
 An alternate or additional method for writing information on the diagram
involves a numbered key. Place a number in a circle by the item to be
described. Print the description in numbered order on separate paper.
 A combination of labels and numbered key can be workable. Ask.
 A title is printed at the top of the diagram. The title should express the
purpose of the machine. Underline the title.
 A box is drawn in the lower corner to hold your name and the date. Print.
Project Analysis
 Write a detailed, step-by-step description of the machine to explain its
function.
 Identify all simple machines and explain how they work in the complex
machine.
 Explain the choice of materials.
 Identify potential problems in the use of the machine. (Where and how could
things go wrong?)
Completion:
You will hand in:
o
o
o
o
this booklet
the written description (project analysis)
the rubric (to be handed out early next week)
the scientific drawing
AND be able to answer the following questions:
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.
g.
h.
What simple machines did your team use?
Describe the function of each simple machine.
Were there any systems incorporated into your machine?
What materials did your team use and why did your team use them?
What provided the initial input force to start your machine?
Which parts of the machine worked well?
What factors impacted the efficiency of your machine?
What would you change if you could make the machine again?
Due Date for this project is ___________________________________.