Station | 6
Recycled Objects
The students will work in small groups in order to build a "Rube Goldberg" machine. A "Rube Goldberg" machine is modeled after a famous cartoonist who tried to make more difficult ways to accomplish simple tasks, such as popping a balloon. The students will build one machine, made from many simple machines working together, to perform their task. The machine is only permitted to be touched at the beginning and must work independently from that point on.
KGA Sixth Grade. 5 Aug. 2013. Rube Goldberg Machines. Retrieved from: https://goo.gl/ZQhcqt. CC BY-NC-SA
Learning
Objectives
Science SOL 4.2
The student will investigate and understand characteristics and interactions of moving objects. Key concepts include:
a) motion is described by an object’s direction and speed;
b) changes in motion are related to force and mass;
c) friction is a force that opposes motion; and
d) moving objects have kinetic energy.
Overview
This standard is introduced in first grade and prepares students for a more in-depth study of energy in eighth grade. This standard focuses on the characteristics of moving objects. Key concepts include the effect of forces, such as friction, on moving objects. It is intended that students will actively develop and utilize scientific investigation, reasoning, and logic skills (4.1) in the context of the key concepts presented in this standard.
Science Standards of Learning Curriculum Framework. 2010. Retrieved from: http://www.doe.virginia.gov/testing/sol0/standards_docs/science/2010/curriculum _framewk/science4.pdf
Article
Johnston, J. (no date available). Pop Goes the Balloon, a Rube Goldberg Design Project. Retrieved from: http://www.cpalms.org/Public/PreviewResourceLesson/ Preview/46310
Video
MrCarrellScience. 20 Jan 2017. Rube Goldberg Machines Q2 2016 2017. Retrieved from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XEOB-iL-5VM& feature=youtu.be .