Rube Goldberg Machine for physics class in highschool any ideas?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on creating a Rube Goldberg machine for a high school physics class, emphasizing the inclusion of specific physical concepts such as circular motion, projectile motion, rolling motion, gravitational energy, kinetic energy, elastic energy, conservation of momentum, and electric or magnetic fields. The project must operate on a maximum of a 6v battery and fit within a 1m x 0.75m x 1m box. Participants are encouraged to brainstorm ideas based on available materials like rubber bands, balloons, and metal ball bearings, while also considering the whimsical nature of Rube Goldberg devices.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of basic physics concepts: circular motion, projectile motion, and conservation of momentum.
  • Familiarity with energy types: gravitational energy, kinetic energy, and elastic energy.
  • Knowledge of simple electrical components and circuits, particularly with low voltage (6v) systems.
  • Experience with basic construction materials such as rubber bands, balloons, and common household items.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research how to effectively demonstrate circular motion in a Rube Goldberg machine.
  • Explore methods to incorporate elastic energy using rubber bands or springs.
  • Investigate the use of simple electrical components like solenoids to create movement.
  • Look into creative design ideas for Rube Goldberg machines through Google Images or educational resources.
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for high school students, physics teachers, and anyone interested in hands-on projects that combine creativity with fundamental physics principles.

djmax23
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I need to build a rube goldberg machine for physics class and i am stuck on ideas. It must include circular motion, projectile motion, rolling motion, gravitational energy, kinetic energy, elastic energy, conservation of momentum, and electric or magnetic fields. It cannot be powered by more than a 6v battery and must fit in a box 1mx0.75mx1m
 
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djmax23 said:
I need to build a rube goldberg machine for physics class and i am stuck on ideas. It must include circular motion, projectile motion, rolling motion, gravitational energy, kinetic energy, elastic energy, conservation of momentum, and electric or magnetic fields. It cannot be powered by more than a 6v battery and must fit in a box 1mx0.75mx1m

Welcome to the PF.

Per the PF Rules, since this is a school project, you must show a lot of effort on it before we can offer some ideas. What are your ideas so far? When you do a Google Images search, what kind of machines look interesting?
 
Ultimately, the machine will depend upon what materials you have at your disposal. You could make a roller coaster for a marble, but if you don't have anything to make the track out of that wouldn't be feasible for you.

So, what do you have? Rubber bands, matches, lighter, balloons, wire hangers, metal ball bearings, electrical solenoids, action figures, dolls, erector sets, legos, dominoes, etc...
 
Hmmm... a real Rube Goldberg device has to include a teakettle and either a parrot or a monkey (both if possible), but I suppose that you don't have one of those.
The trick is to make it as silly as possible, within the bounds of functionality. Google some of the original cartoons to get a feel for the concept.
 
This might give you some ideas.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
i only need to incorprate elastic energy and circular motion left and i hasve 12 out 20 steps
 

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