The Basics:
A Rube Goldberg machine is all about creating a chain reaction. It starts with a simple action (like a ball rolling) and uses a series of increasingly elaborate steps to eventually achieve a final goal (like squeezing toothpaste).
1. The Goal:
* Squeeze toothpaste onto a toothbrush. This is your final objective.
2. The Trigger:
* Start with a simple action to kick off the chain reaction. This could be anything like:
* Dropping a ball
* Pulling a string
* Flipping a switch
* Releasing a weight
3. The Chain Reaction:
* Think of a series of events that lead to the final squeeze. This is where the fun and creativity come in! Here are some examples:
* Dominoes: Set up a domino chain to knock over objects.
* Pulleys: Use pulleys to lift or drop items.
* Inclined Planes: Let balls or objects roll down ramps.
* Springs: Use springs to propel objects.
* Air Pressure: Create a system with balloons or syringes to push or pull items.
* Simple Machines: Levers, wheels and axles, and wedges can all be incorporated.
4. Connecting the Squeeze:
* The final step is to design a mechanism that squeezes the toothpaste. Here are some options:
* Lever: Attach the lever to a plunger or a mechanism that presses on the toothpaste tube.
* Weight: Hang a weight that drops and pushes on the tube.
* Spring: Use a spring to push on the tube.
* Plunger: Attach a plunger to a lever that is triggered by the final step in your chain reaction.
Ideas to Get You Started:
* The Rolling Ball: Start with a ball rolling down a ramp, knocking over dominoes that trigger a series of events leading to a lever that squeezes the toothpaste.
* The Balloon Launch: Use a balloon inflated with air to trigger a chain reaction of events that ends with a weight dropping on the toothpaste tube.
* The Swinging Pendulum: A pendulum swings back and forth, releasing a ball that rolls down a track, triggering a series of events culminating in the squeezing of the toothpaste.
Important Considerations:
* Safety: Make sure your machine uses materials that are safe and won't cause injuries.
* Stability: Ensure that your machine is stable and won't collapse during the process.
* Testing: Test each step of your machine to make sure it works smoothly before you put it all together.
Have Fun!
The most important part of building a Rube Goldberg machine is to let your imagination run wild. Experiment, try different things, and don't be afraid to fail. The most fun comes from the process of designing and creating your own unique chain reaction.