Simple Machine Project
Introduction:
News Flash---Rube Goldberg, a famous wacky machine cartoonist, has lost his creativity. He is sending out a mass alert to the highly imaginative 7th and 8th graders in Mrs. Schlotterback and Ms. Shackelford’s class to help him. When your simple machine is finished, the patent board will need to patent your invention so that Rube can use it.
Task: Your task is to invent a new machine. Not just any machine, but a compound machine based on the work of Rube Goldberg. You will need to use at least five simple machines (pulley, screw, wheel and axle, lever, inclined plane, and wedge) in an unusual arrangement to complete a simple task. Rube doesn't have much time, so you will only have two weeks to complete the project.
Background on Rube Goldberg
Rube Goldberg (1883-1970) was a Pulitzer Prize winning cartoonist, sculptor, and author. Rube Goldberg cartoons depict the most ridiculous devices to accomplish simple tasks. His inventions often include maximum efforts to achieve minimal results. Here is a list of some of the wacky inventions that Rube's cartoons depict.
- How to clean shop windows
- Simplified pencil sharpener
- How to tee up a golf ball without bending over
- Turning the page of a book
- Putting a stamp on a letter
Web Sites that may help you with ideas:
http://www.anl.gov/OPA/rube/rubeolive.html
http://www.rube-goldberg.com/
<http://www.geocities.com/MadisonAvenue/Newsstand/7000/>
<http://www.rube-goldberg.com/html/gallery.htm>
http://www.y3k.com/rube.html
Timeline/Due Dates:
Project Assigned: Wednesday, October 29,2008
Project Idea Due: Monday, November 3, 2008
- You do not have to have a detailed description of your project, but at least be able to share what task your simple machine will perform.
Project Design Due: November 7th
- You will need to submit a detailed description “Design Sheet” explaining how your simple machine works and “blue print” (picture on graph paper) labeling information in your design. We will talk about this further before it is due.
Final Project Due: November 17th.
(Compound Machine )
Once Projects are Complete:
- After the project is due, each student will show/present their project to the patent board (our class) to sell their new invention (students will be given further guidance/ideas on how to present their invention).
Projects will be graded with the attached grading scale. Should parents/guardians have any questions, do not hesitate to write a quick note, email.
Project Design Due:
20 points ~ The student submitted a very well written document (design sheet) describing and explaining how their simple machine works. They clearly stated the five or more simple machines that they used in their invention. The student used complete sentences with many details and had no spelling errors. The student also included a picture, “blue print”, which is clearly labeled and neatly colored (graph paper).
15 points ~ The student submitted a somewhat well written document describing and explaining how their simple machine works. They clearly stated only one or three simple machines that they used in their invention. There were some incomplete sentences, minor details used, and spelling errors. The student included a picture, “blue print”, which is labeled and colored.
5 points ~ The student submitted a poorly written document describing and explaining how their simple machine works. They did not state clearly any simple machines that they used in the invention. There were many incomplete sentences, no details used, and spelling errors. The student did not include a picture, “blue print”, which is labeled and colored.
Final Project:
1. The presenter was well organized and well prepared-ready when called.
Strongly agree Agree Disagree
2. The presentation was properly introduced and focused the audience’s attention.
Strongly agree Agree Disagree
3. Scientific terms were frequently and properly used to describe invention.
Strongly agree Agree Disagree
4. Safe and friendly items were chosen to build machine.
Strongly agree Agree Disagree
5. The project and demonstration showed imagination, creativity, and originality.
Strongly agree Agree Disagree
6. It was apparent that the members had a good working knowledge of the material.
Strongly agree Agree Disagree
7. There were proper mannerisms used: clarity of speech, pronunciation, eye contact.
Strongly agree Agree Disagree
8. The projects concept was thought out- showing advanced planning.
Strongly agree Agree Disagree
9. The design of the machine was modified and well adapted for its purpose.
Strongly agree Agree Disagree
10. The structure was secure, well-built, and able to remain intact during demonstration.
Strongly agree Agree Disagree
11. Materials used for the apparatus were appropriate and showed an understanding of the principles of simple machines was employed.
Strongly agree Agree Disagree
12. All qualifications were met. At least 5 simple machines were included.
Strongly agree Agree Disagree
13. The project was brought in on time and in good shape…no excuses made.
Strongly agree Agree Disagree
14. The machine performed the task.
Strongly agree Agree Disagree
Count up the number of each mark. Record below.
Strongly agree =__________________x3
Agree= ________________________x2
Disagree=______________________x1
39-42—Excellent
35-38—Very Good
31-34---Good
27-30---Fair Job
23-26---Could have been better
Below 23---Not much effort hereL |