Rube Goldberg Devices

Learning Intention

  • To learn how simple machines can be combined into a complex Rube Goldberg device

Worksheets

Project – Steampunk Machine

Notes

Rube Goldberg was a 20th century American cartoonist who drew elaborate contraptions that perform a single (often useless) task. These are now known as Rube Goldberg devices, or machines. Honda made an elaborate Rube Goldberg device using many of the parts of one of their cars.

Honda – The Cog HD (2:01)

Magnets and Marbles (4:05 – watch first 2:00 only)