Name __________________date _______ period __
Machines Invention Project
Project due date: _____________
1. TASK: choose either Option # 1 or #2
Option 1: Machines and Work:
Machines are wonderful creations we use to help us do work using less effort or energy.
Think of a job you would like to make easier to do, and visualize a machine that could help
do that.
Using your knowledge how simple and compound machines work imagine you are an engineer.
Your task is to develop sketches of one or two new compound machines that can make your
work much easier to do! (Be as practical or creative as you wish)
Option 2: Rube Goldberg Machine
Search Rube Goldberg’s cartoons or ‘silly machines’. What is happening in the cartoon?
Focus on the action in each step and the results of the action. Design and draw your own
machine that uses multiple steps to perform a simple task.
TO MEET STANDARDS YOU MUST:
A. Create and draw one or two new compound machines that incorporate at least 4
different simple machines in the design.
(Note: you can develop one compound machine with 4 or more simple machines, or create
two compound machines using at least 2 different simple machines in each.)
B. Write a clear caption for each drawing that includes:
1. _____Name of your new machine
2. _____For what purpose it was created
3. _____How your machine works (uses relative scientific terms-i.e.: force,
motion, energy, work, friction, resistance, etc.)
4. _____The value it has in making a work task easier to do or how it makes our
way of life even better.
5. _____Protocols to operate your new machine invention (directions or steps).
C. Thoroughly complete all other steps.
2. STEPS: (Date each task when it is completed)
Steps
Tasks
Put
check
by
choice
___Option # 1 Machines & Work: List in journal 4-6 jobs you would like
to make easier for you or someone else
___Option # 2 the Rube Goldberg Machine: List in journal 4 – 6 jobs
you would like to make a machine to do the work.
Select 3 listed jobs from the above list and write the following for
each in your journal:
1. Describe the work (option # 1) that could benefit from a new
machine.
2. Explain how a machine could make each work task easier.
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
Date
Done
Pick two of your ideas: visualize and draft initial sketches of what
these machines might look like
Share your 2 sketches and explain project to 2 people outside of class.
Ask for their ideas to improve your drafts: write these ideas and their
names in your journal.
Choose 1 sketch for your final project. Create a revised and improved
drawing of your new compound machine; be clear how each simple
machine in your invention works.
Create final drawing of your new machine(s), use paper that is minimum
8’x11” maximum 11”x17”.
Draft captions for final drawing(s). Include all required information.
(See Section 1. TO MEET STANDARDS-B). Revise and edit captions
to correct spelling and grammar. Create and print final draft.
Write reflection in journal. Answer 3 or 6 questions.
1. Which G.L.O.s were demonstrated through this project?
2. What did you learn about “work” from this project?
3. How might understanding about machines help in your future?
4. What did you like about this project? What did you not like?
5. What do you think you did well?
6. What would you do different or better next time?
TOTAL POINTS AVAILABLE:
TOTAL POINTS EARNED:
Possible
Points
Rubric for Achieving Standards
Machine Invention Project
Element
Journal entries
(Steps A, B, C,
D)
Revisions to
drawings(s) and
captions(s)
(Step E)
Final
drawings(s)
(Step F)
Final caption(s)
(Step G )
Written
reflection
(step H)
Exceeds standard
-more than required tasks
completed (new ideas added)
-questions thoughtfully
answered with details and
personal connections
Meets standard
-all required tasks
completed
-questions completely
answered
Needs work
-tasks incomplete
or done
incorrectly
-minimal thought
given to answers
-much change to design
-addition of details improve
clarity and interest
-some improved change in
design
-addition of details evident
-minimal or no
change to design
-few or no added
details
-creative, unique, vivid design
-easy identification of
required simple machines
-purpose of machines easily
understood by all
-new unique design
-shows use of required
simple machines
-purpose of machine
understood by most
-design not
original
-unclear which
simple machines
are involved
-design and
purpose is vague
-content is clear with
interesting details
-fully edited with no more
than 2 errors in spelling and
grammar
-includes more than
requested elements
-content is clear
-edited with no more than
4 errors in spelling and
grammar
-includes all requested
elements
-content is unclear
-more than 4
errors in spelling
and grammar
-requested
elements not done
- questions thoughtfully
answered with details
-answers more than required
number
-clearly answers questions
-answers required number
-answers unclear
-answers less than
required number