Exploring Force & Motion and Energy Transfer with a Rube Goldberg Challenge

A Rube Goldberg STEM Challenge is a fantastic way to help students grasp the principles of energy transfer, force, and motion through hands-on learning. A Rube Goldberg machine is a chain reaction contraption that performs a simple task in a complex way. 

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Find the Rube Goldberg Project on TPT here!

Find the Rube Goldberg on Lodge's Learning here!

Here are 10 ways this challenge supports their understanding:

1. Exploring Energy Transfer – Students see how energy moves from one object to another, whether through a falling domino, a swinging pendulum, or a rolling ball.

   
   

2. Understanding Potential & Kinetic Energy – They experiment with stored energy (potential) in objects like a wound-up rubber band or a raised marble, and then watch it convert into kinetic energy when released.

   
   

3. Applying Newton’s Laws of Motion – They observe inertia, acceleration, and action-reaction forces in real-time as they design and refine their machines.

   
   

4. Investigating Gravity’s Role – Gravity is a key force in Rube Goldberg machines, pulling objects downward and creating chain reactions.

   
   

   

   
   

5. Experimenting with Friction & Resistance – Students discover how different surfaces and materials impact movement and energy loss through friction.

   
   

6. Exploring Simple Machines – Rube Goldberg machines incorporate pulleys, levers, inclined planes, and other simple machines, reinforcing their function and purpose.

   
   

7. Testing and Iterating Designs – Through trial and error, students refine their machines, strengthening their understanding of how forces and motion interact. (Engineering Design Process)

   
   

8. Enhancing Problem-Solving Skills – They must think critically and creatively to troubleshoot issues, reinforcing the engineering design process.

   
   

9. Demonstrating Cause & Effect – Every action in the machine triggers another, helping students visualize the cause-and-effect relationships in physics.

   
   

10. Encouraging Collaboration & Communication – Working in teams, students discuss ideas, make adjustments, and explain their reasoning, deepening their comprehension of physics concepts.

    
    

This challenge turns abstract science principles into tangible, engaging, and memorable experiences that spark curiosity and deeper learning!

Example Lesson:

Objective: By the end of this lesson, students will understand the basic principles of force and motion and energy transfer through hands-on experience by designing and building a Rube Goldberg machine.

Duration: 2 class periods (45 minutes each) minimum

*This lesson can be extended over the course of 1-2 weeks

Recommended Materials:

• Various building materials (dominoes, marbles, ramps, rubber bands, toy cars, popsicle sticks, etc.) Here’s a Free List of Material & Task Ideas

• Rube Goldberg Project Templates

• Cardboard and construction paper

• Cardboard Construction Tools (optional)

• Simple Machines Kits (optional)

• Scissors and tape

• Glue

• String

• Small balls or marbles

• Magnetic Tiles (This one has ramps & marbles!)

• Marble Runs

• Paper and pencils for planning

• Timer or stopwatch

• Video clips of Rube Goldberg machines for inspiration (find on YouTube)

Standards:

• Science Standard: Understand the concepts of force and motion.

• Engineering Standard: Design, build, test, and improve a model or prototype.

Introduction (10 minutes)

1. Discuss the Concepts: Begin with a simple discussion about what force and motion mean. Explain how they are part of everyday life, using examples like pushing a swing or pulling a wagon. Here are some teaching materials that have already been created. Save time, and use these Simple Machine Posters!

2. Introduce Rube Goldberg: Show a short video or images of Rube Goldberg machines to illustrate the concept. You can find many of these on YouTube. Explain that these machines use a series of simple actions to perform a complex task in an indirect way.

Instruction (15 minutes)

1. Explore Forces: Discuss different types of forces such as push, pull, gravity, and friction. Provide examples and ask students to share their own. Print out posters, and have them visible for students to refer to during the project.

2. Explain the Challenge: Inform students that they will be creating their own Rube Goldberg machine. The goal is to have a marble (or similar object) travel from start to finish using at least three different types of forces.

   
   

Designing the Machine (20 minutes)

1. Group Work: Divide the class into small groups. Provide each group with materials, and/or allow them to use materials brought in from home. Free List of Material Ideas

2. Planning Phase: Each group should brainstorm and sketch their machine on paper. Encourage creativity and ensure they incorporate various forces in their design. Save time, and use these pre-made Rube Goldberg Project templates!

   
   

   

   
   

Building the Machine (45 minutes - second class period)

1. Construction Phase: Allow students to start building their machines based on their plans. Encourage teamwork and problem-solving.

   

   
   

2. Testing and Iterating: As groups build, instruct them to test their machines frequently and make adjustments as needed. Walk around to provide guidance and support.

Conclusion and Reflection (10 minutes)

1. Demonstration: Have each group present their Rube Goldberg machine to the class and demonstrate how it works.

2. Discussion: Lead a class discussion reflecting on what they learned about force and motion. Ask questions such as:

   • What types of forces did you use in your machine?

   • How did you overcome challenges during the building process?

3. Wrap-Up: Summarize key points about force and motion, emphasizing the importance of creativity and persistence in problem-solving.

4. Award Ceremony: Celebrate creativity, problem-solving, and teamwork with these Rube Goldberg Chain Reaction Challenge Printable Awards! Perfect for recognizing all participants.

Assessment

• Participation: Observe student engagement and teamwork during the activity.

• Presentation: Evaluate each group's ability to explain their machine and the forces involved.

• Reflection: Collect a short written reflection from each student about what they learned and enjoyed about the project.

Extension

• Advanced Challenge: Encourage students to add more steps to their machines or incorporate additional forces.

• Cross-Curricular Activity: Integrate a writing assignment where students write a story about their machine's journey.

  
  

This lesson plan not only educates students about force and motion but also fosters creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking skills.

Find more Rube Goldberg Resources on TPT HERE or on Lodge's Learning HERE!