Arts & Crafts

Let's build a Rube Goldberg Machine

First thing's first, what is a Rube Goldberg Machine? It is a machine intentionally designed to perform a very easy task in an overly complicated way. It consists of simple unrelated devices that cause a chain reaction, finally reaching your goal (it can be anything you want; watering a plant, feeding your pets, turning the TV on, closing a door).

This is your chance to get as creative as you can be! Any object lying around your house can be used to make the machine, seriously, ANYTHING! Cardboard, water bottles, dominos, marbles or even hot wheels tracks! Isn't that cool? 

Here are some things you may use for your machine

Things that can roll or move: 

• Marbles
• Ping pong balls, tennis balls
• Toy cars
• Skateboard
• Dominoes
• Fan

Things you can use for ramps:

• Tracks
• PVC pipes
• Toilet paper roll
• Bottles
• Books
• Trays

Household materials you can use:

• Chopsticks
• Tape
• Ballons
• Pencils
• Toys like blocks or legos
• Spoons
• Plastic cups
• Cereal Box
• String
• Rubber bands
• CDs

Here are some cool machines for inspiration:

Below is a youtube video about a kid explaining and trying out his very own Rube Goldberg Machine. His goal was to feed his dog (in a very unique way I must add), and he did a really AMAZING work! It was very creative and fun to watch!

I can't wait to see your awesome Rube Goldberg machines! Remember: be patient, have fun and go crazy with ideas!