Level 4: Rube Goldberg Device Name

SC.6.P.11.1 Explore the Law of Conservation of Energy by differentiating between potential and kinetic
energy. Identify situations where kinetic energy is transformed into potential energy and vice versa.

What is a Rube Goldberg Device?

Rube Goldberg drew contraptions that make simple tasks into difficult and complicated
ones. Check Schoology for some cool examples!

Objective:
Working alone or with a partner, design a Rube Goldberg Device that has at least 6 steps, featuring 3 simple
machines. The Rube Goldberg Device must complete the task of filling a cup. You will not build your device,
but must complete blueprints as directed below:

Blueprint Requirements:
- Number each step of machine (at least 6 total)
- On blueprint, explain what is happening at each step
- List the simple machines used: lever, inclined plane, wheel and axle, screw, wedge, pulley.
- Explain how energy is cycled through your device using the terms potential energy, kinetic energy,
transferred, transformed. Complete this in 3-5 sentences.
- Blueprint is attractive, organized and original

Device Name________________________________________________________

Group Members ___________________________________________________

Components Points Possible Points Earned

Create a blueprint of your machine. 10
- Number each step of machine.
- On blueprint, explain what is happening at each step
- list the simple machines used: lever, inclined plane,
wheel and axle, screw, wedge, pulley.
- Blueprint is attractive, organized and original
Construct the Rube Goldberg device 25
- three simple machines
- 5 steps.
- Fills a cup
- no human assistance in the process once the
machine begins
Successfully demonstrate how machine operates 5
- either in class or on video
Explain how energy is cycled through your device using the 10
terms potential energy, kinetic energy, transferred,
transformed
Project Total 50