Here is Jay’s growing collection of chain reaction tips, techniques, and tutorials for building simple mix-and-match parts for your more complex Rube Goldberg Machines. Lots of pics and examples. We’re just getting started with this section, so let us know if you’d like to see something taken apart, broken down, and put back together again!
Click here for a list of topics coming next!
What is Engineering
Engineering Practice
Simple Machines
Automata
Cause and Effect
Scale
Everything is Connected.
Chain Reactions
Materials Lists
Beginning at the End
Keep each part simple.
Techniques
Systems
Complex Systems are made from Simpler Parts.
Working with Tools
Working with Cardboard
Practice Makes Progress
Imitate Before You Create
Build First, Plan Later!
Criteria & Constraints
Marking & Measuring
Forces and Objects
Force and Motion
Pushes and Pulls
Work = Force X Distance
Simple Machines in Nature
Simple Machines in my Body
Simple Machines in My House
Energy Transforms & Transfers
Elasticity
Gravity
Magnetism
Friction
Inertia and Momentum
Newtons Laws
Rube Goldberg
Invention vs. Discovery
Trial & Error: Failure is Essential
Growth Mindset
Make Your Own Maker Space
Exploding Popsicle Stick Snakes
Domino Pyramids
Stickyometry
Rube Goldberg: How-to Build a Multi-Track Ball Feeder
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Rolling Cone
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Popsicle Stick Catapult
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Patient Ping Pong Ball
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Gather Household Materials
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