Rube Goldberg
Teachers: Please complete a registration for each project you are sending to the STEM and History Expo.
Definition: A Rube Goldberg assembly, contraption, invention, device, or apparatusis a deliberately over-engineered or overdone machine that performs a very simple task in a very complex fashion, usually including a chain reaction. The expression is named after American cartoonist and inventor Rube Goldberg (1883-1970). This is a non-competitive event for students in grades TK-12. Students who participate and meet the minimum requirements will receive an award for participation.
Minimum Requirements
- A successful Rube Goldberg entry must have the following:
A minimum of 10 ’cause and effect’ steps - Inclusion of three simple machines (e.g. lever, wheel and axle, pulley, incline plane, screw, wedge)
- Written sequential procession from beginning to final step
Additional judging will be based on the following:
- Device has a clearly identified task
- Initialization of sequence is simple and straightforward
- Use of several types of physical forces (inertia, gravity, friction, combustion, stored energy. etc.
- Operational procession clearly labeled in alphabetic sequence
- Simple machines identified correctly with indications of direction of force
- Device’s construction has specific theme, or specific grouping of materials are used in constructions
- Device runs fully to completion with little or no outside intervention
- Complexity of device
- Thought was given to reset time and effort required
- Multiple paths of events occur and rejoin