Nick and I worked on the below project during the April break. It was part of Nick's homework assignment. Designing and building a Rube Goldberg requires; alot of thinking and planning, a certain amount of knowledge of how simple machines work, some creativity and innovation, problem solving along every step, careful measurement, trial and error, some research, adaptation, experimentation, hands on practical application of skill, patience and persistence. Yet the whole purpose of this machine is to flick on a light switch! It's nuts, it's fun and it's powerful learning!
Learn more about Rube Goldberg - http://www.rubegoldberg.com/
Reuben Lucius Goldberg (July 4, 1883 – December 7, 1970) was an American cartoonist, sculptor, author, engineer and inventor. He is best known for a series of popular cartoons depicting complex gadgets that perform simple tasks in indirect, convoluted ways. These devices, now known as Rube Goldberg machines, are similar to those drawn by "Heath Robinson" in the UK.
Goldberg received many honors in his lifetime, including a Pulitzer Prize for his political cartooning in 1948 and the Banshees' Silver Lady Award 1959.[1]
Goldberg was a founding member and the first president of the National Cartoonists Society,[2] and he is the namesake of the Reuben Award, which the organization awards to the Cartoonist of the Year. He is the inspiration for various international competitions, known as Rube Goldberg contests, which challenge participants to make a complex machine to perform a simple task. (Info taken from: Wikipedia)
