Rube Goldberg Machine Lesson Plan: A STEM Project on Simple Machines & Energy

Spark creativity with this comprehensive lesson plan for building a Rube Goldberg machine! This hands-on STEM project guides middle school students (ages 13-15) through the engineering design process as they explore physics concepts like simple machines, potential and kinetic energy, and energy transfers. Aligned with NGSS standards, this activity uses common household items and includes learning objectives, a project rubric for assessment, and differentiation strategies to support all learners.

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Lesson Plan: The Marvelous Machine Challenge

Subject: Physical Science & Engineering Design

Grade Level: Ages 13-15 (Middle School/Early High School)

Time Allotment: 2-3 hours (flexible for a project-based lesson)

1. Learning Objectives

By the end of this lesson, the student will be able to:

  • Design and construct a functioning Rube Goldberg-style machine that completes a simple task using at least four distinct steps.
  • Identify and explain the role of at least three simple machines (e.g., lever, pulley, inclined plane) within their creation.
  • Describe at least three different energy transfers (e.g., potential to kinetic, kinetic to sound) that occur in their machine.
  • Document the design process, including initial ideas, challenges, and solutions, in a simple design log.

2. Alignment with Standards

This lesson aligns with key Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) for Middle School:

  • MS-PS3-5: Construct, use, and present arguments to support the claim that when the kinetic energy of an object changes, energy is transferred to or from the object.
  • MS-ETS1-1: Define the criteria and constraints of a design problem with sufficient precision to ensure a successful solution, taking into account relevant scientific principles.
  • MS-ETS1-3: Analyze data from tests to determine similarities and differences among several design solutions to identify the best characteristics of each that can be combined into a new solution.

3. Materials and Resources

This project is designed to use common household items. Be creative! No special purchases are necessary.

  • Construction Materials: Cardboard (boxes, tubes), books, dominoes, toy cars, marbles, balls, string, rubber bands, tape, empty plastic bottles, popsicle sticks, paper cups, spoons.
  • Tools: Scissors, ruler, tape (masking or duct tape is best).
  • Documentation: Notebook or paper for a "Design Log," pencil, phone/camera for recording the final machine.
  • Optional Digital Resources:
    • Inspiration Video: Search for "OK Go - This Too Shall Pass" music video.
    • Physics Concepts: Short videos on "Simple Machines for Kids" or "Potential and Kinetic Energy" from educational channels like Crash Course Kids or SciShow Kids.

4. Lesson Activities & Instructional Strategies

Part 1: The Hook - What is a Rube Goldberg Machine? (15 minutes)

  1. Watch & Discuss: Start by watching an inspirational video of a Rube Goldberg machine (like the OK Go video).
  2. Ask Guiding Questions:
    • What was the final goal of that machine?
    • What was the most clever or surprising step you saw?
    • Why would someone build something so complicated to do something so simple? (Answer: For fun, to be creative, and to explore science!)
  3. Introduce the Challenge: Explain that today's goal is to build a unique machine to complete a simple task. Brainstorm some possible end-goals together, for example:
    • Ring a small bell.
    • Knock a small object into a cup.
    • Turn a page in a book.
    • Dispense a single snack (like a cracker or candy).

Part 2: The Toolbox - Physics in Action (20 minutes)

  1. Hands-On Exploration: Before building, explore the core concepts. Set up mini-stations.
    • Inclined Plane: Roll a marble down a ruler propped up by a book. How does changing the angle of the ruler affect the marble's speed? This is converting potential energy (at the top) to kinetic energy (while moving).
    • Lever: Place a ruler over a pencil (the fulcrum). Press down on one end to launch a small object (like a cotton ball) from the other. What happens if you move the pencil closer to the cotton ball?
    • Domino Effect: Set up a short line of dominoes. This demonstrates a chain reaction and the transfer of kinetic energy.
  2. Define Key Terms: Briefly define "Potential Energy" (stored energy), "Kinetic Energy" (energy of motion), and the six simple machines (lever, wheel and axle, pulley, inclined plane, wedge, screw). Don't focus on memorization, just on understanding the basic idea.

Part 3: The Challenge - Design and Build (60-90 minutes)

  1. Plan First (10 min): In the Design Log, the student should:
    • Choose their final task.
    • Sketch a rough draft of their machine. Try to label at least 4 main steps.
    • List the simple machines or energy transfers they *plan* to use.
  2. Build, Test, and Revise (50-80 min): This is the core of the lesson.
    • Give the student space to build, experiment, and fail. Failure is a key part of the engineering process!
    • Teacher's Role: Act as a facilitator, not a director. Ask questions to prompt critical thinking:
      • "That part isn't working consistently. What's one small change you could make to improve it?"
      • "What kind of energy transfer is happening right there?"
      • "Could you use a lever here to get more force?"
    • Encourage Documentation: As the student makes changes, they should jot down notes in their Design Log. ("Original idea: use a marble. Revision: a heavier golf ball works better.")

Part 4: The Big Reveal - Demonstration and Reflection (15 minutes)

  1. Record the Machine: Use a phone or camera to record a successful run of the machine. It's great to have a video record of the accomplishment!
  2. Present the Work: The student should "present" their machine, explaining:
    • What the final goal is.
    • A step-by-step narration of how it works.
    • Point out the simple machines and energy transfers they used (referencing the learning objectives).
  3. Reflect on the Process: Discuss the project using the Design Log as a guide.
    • What was the hardest part to get right? How did you solve it?
    • What part of your machine are you most proud of?
    • If you had more time or materials, what would you add or change?

5. Assessment Methods

  • Formative (During the lesson):
    • Observing the student's problem-solving process and perseverance.
    • Asking guiding questions to check for understanding of concepts like energy transfer.
    • Reviewing the initial sketch and notes in the Design Log.
  • Summative (End of lesson):
    • Project Rubric: The final machine is assessed based on a simple checklist.
      1. Does the machine successfully complete the chosen task? (Yes/Partially/No)
      2. Does the machine include at least 4 distinct steps? (Yes/No)
      3. Can the student identify and explain at least 3 simple machines or energy transfers? (Yes/No)
    • Oral Presentation: The clarity of the student's explanation during the "Big Reveal."
    • Design Log: The completeness and thoughtfulness of the notes on planning, challenges, and revisions.

6. Differentiation and Extensions

  • For Support:
    • Start with a simpler goal (e.g., a 2-step machine).
    • Work collaboratively to build the first one or two steps.
    • Provide a pre-built component, like a simple lever or pulley system, to incorporate into their larger design.
  • For an Advanced Challenge (Extensions):
    • Require a higher number of steps (e.g., 7 or more).
    • Mandate the use of specific simple machines ("Your machine must include one lever and one pulley").
    • Add a thematic element (e.g., "The machine must tell a story as it runs").
    • Challenge them to calculate the potential energy of the first object (PE = mgh) and the kinetic energy as it moves.