| Objective |
To carry out a simple task in the most complicated
way possible. E.G.:
Have the marble roll from the table into the cup on the floor.
Have a pendulum hit a gong.
Have Prince Charming rescue Princess Prudence from the Tall Tower.
|
| Purpose |
To demonstrate scientific skills, creativity, teamwork,
and have a funtastic time. |
| Participants |
Teams of three to six. |
| Materials |
The following items are all stored in a
zip-loc bag, one for each team. Supplies are bought at the local bargain
store, and nothing costs more than $2:00 |
| Balloons |
3 |
Marbles - small |
4 |
| Car - model |
1 |
Masking tape ½ inch |
1 |
| Clothes pins |
6 |
Playing cards |
1 deck |
| Dominos |
1 set |
Popsicle sticks |
12 |
| Drinking cups |
3 |
Scissors |
1 pair |
| Drinking straws |
12 |
String |
2.0 m |
| Marbles - big |
2 |
Tennis ball |
1 |
|
Additional Items - Add any other items that are
available locally
|
| Bristol Board |
2 sheets |
Rulers 2m |
1 |
| Glue gun (older students only) |
1 |
Ramps |
1 |
Pulleys
|
2 |
Stands |
1 |
| Rules |
Define a time limit for the event. We find
that half an hour is reasonable, but be ready to be flexible. |
| Judging |
Assign points for each different event in the Rube Goldberg
Machine.
If a part of the machine fails, the team can restart it once without
penalty.
If subsequent restarts are required, one point is lost per restart. |
| Notes |
We have run this event at elementary schools, high schools,
and at teacher's workshops, with great success at all levels. It was
particularly neat when the high school students did the event first,
and then ran it at one of their elementary feeder schools for the
grade five students. Details of a large scale event can be found at
the web site http://www.physics.uwo.ca/sfair/scienceo.htm.
Here, you will find a short account of Rube Goldberg, together with
the rules for a high level competition. At the small scale events,
we don't make the judging too formal. |
| Source |
London District Science Olympics |
