Project Outline

During this project, you and your group members will demonstrate your knowledge of topics in physical science, technology and engineering by designing, creating, testing and explaining a Rube Goldberg type device.

Instructions:

1. Designing the Device
Brainstorm with your group to create a list of ideas. You should discuss the goals you wish to accomplish with your device. Do not forget to discuss with the groups around you to determine starting and ending coordinates for your device. You should also do some research to find out about simple machines and how they work. This will help you to determine what machines would be best for your device (e.g., pulleys, screws, levers, inclined planes, etc.). List the ways in which energy is being transformed in each of these devices. Determine some machines that can be used to make these transformations and that can be physically assembled. Decide on a Rube Goldberg device that will achieve one of your goals. There should be at least 5 simple machines in your device with at least three different energy transformations.

(Steps 2 and 3 will be worked on simultaneously)

2. Project Report on your Rube Goldberg Device
You are to submit a formally-written, word-processed lab report.
The lab report should include the following sections:

Purpose: Describe the purpose of your project.
In a paragraph, describe the criteria you are using to start and end your device. Explain what simple machines you will use and the energy transfers that will be taking place.

Description of the Device: The different parts and machines you will use in your device are to be explained here. You should describe them in detail as to how they function.

Theoretical Background: Here you should, in detail explain the energy transformations that take place in your device. You are to have a minimum of three energy transfers and explain them in detail.

Data Section: Here you will include include a journal of progress and changes that had to be made as the design and construction phases progressed, be specific listing dates and times. You should have at least 10 entries. For example, if the launch velocity of a projectile to reach a certain point is too high for the launch device, what had to be altered and how did you fix it?

Reflection on the Results: Describe the final successful (hopefully) version of the device you have constructed. Describe in detail any problems or difficulties this device may have had in completing the goal. Discuss its reliability (i.e., can it work more than once or should it be reset?). Discuss the possible energy losses or machine malfunctions which might take place over time after many uses.

3. Creation of Rube Goldberg Device
Using any or all available materials to create your Rube Goldberg device, following the following steps.

Layout on your 16" square board the position of your 5 simple machines and or apparatus.
Start the creation of the first machine using the appropriate materials.
Continue with the creation of each machine on your design.
As each machine or apparatus is assembled, check to make sure it is operational, this process will take some time so do not get frustrated.
Make sure you are in contact with the groups prior to and after yours so you can receive their marble and send your marble appropriately.
Finish all of your machines and put them in place.
Tweak the device to get it running smoothly, if major problems are found, consider the need for redesign and or rebuilding.
Once the device is running smoothly try to set it up in a row with the other groups and give it a try.
4. The running of the machines

Set up each device in the proper order.
The instructor will set the first machine in motion.
Each machine must run uninterrupted until the last machine runs its course for total success.
Good luck!

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