Ideas for Rube Goldberg Everyday Objects

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In summary, the conversation is about finding ideas for everyday objects that can be used to create a Rube Goldberg machine, as an alternative to the game Mousetrap. The Argonne website is suggested as a resource for previous Rube Goldberg competitions hosted by the organization, and the speaker mentions almost volunteering as a judge last year and the experience of meeting the winners and seeing their contraptions.
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I need some ideas for everyday objects (like toys or games) that are like a Rube Goldberg machine. Our teacher gave us the example of the game Mousetrap but that is a class example and cannot be used. Any help would be appreciated.
 
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This Argonne website lists all the previous Rube Goldberg competition that it had hosted. That should give you a sampling what can be done.

http://www.anl.gov/Careers/Education/rube/rubeteams.html

I almost volunteered last year to be a judge, but couldn't because of scheduling conflict. Each of the winners got to visit Argonne and display their contraption in the cafeteria. It was always a lot of fun chatting with these very bright kids.

Zz.
 
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1. Dominoes: Set up a series of dominoes to knock over and trigger a chain reaction. You can use different sizes and shapes of dominoes to add variety to your Rube Goldberg machine.

2. Jenga: Use a Jenga tower as the base of your machine and have a marble roll down the tower, knocking over other blocks and objects along the way.

3. Playing Cards: Use a deck of cards to create a card tower that will eventually fall and trigger the next step in your Rube Goldberg machine.

4. Slinky: Hang a slinky from a staircase and have it bounce down, setting off a series of events.

5. Toy Cars: Use toy cars to race down a track and hit a lever or button that will start the next part of your machine.

6. Ball Pit: Create a ball pit with tubes and tunnels for a marble to roll through before reaching the end and triggering the next step.

7. Connect Four: Use a Connect Four game board as the platform for your machine and have marbles or balls drop through the slots, setting off a chain reaction.

8. Building Blocks: Use building blocks to create a tower that will eventually topple over and start the next part of your machine.

9. Marble Run: Use a marble run set to create a complex track for a marble to travel through, triggering various parts of your Rube Goldberg machine.

10. Puzzle: Use a jigsaw puzzle to create a path for a marble to travel through, with each piece being a different element of your machine.
 

1. What is a Rube Goldberg machine?

A Rube Goldberg machine is a complex contraption that is designed to perform a simple task in a convoluted and humorous way. It typically involves a series of everyday objects that are linked together to create a chain reaction, ultimately leading to the completion of a simple task.

2. How can I come up with ideas for a Rube Goldberg machine using everyday objects?

The best way to come up with ideas for a Rube Goldberg machine is to start with a simple task that you want to achieve, such as turning on a light switch, and then work backwards to create a chain reaction that will ultimately accomplish that task. Look around your home for everyday objects that you can incorporate into your machine, and think outside the box to come up with creative and humorous ways to use them.

3. Are there any specific types of everyday objects that work best for Rube Goldberg machines?

Not necessarily. The key is to use objects that are readily available and easy to manipulate. This could include items like dominoes, marbles, ramps, pulleys, and even toys. However, you can use any objects that you can think of as long as they can be linked together to create a chain reaction.

4. How can I make sure my Rube Goldberg machine actually works?

Building a successful Rube Goldberg machine requires a lot of trial and error. The best way to ensure that it works is to test each step of the chain reaction as you build it. This will help you identify any flaws or areas that need to be adjusted. It's also important to have patience and be willing to make changes and modifications as needed.

5. Are there any safety concerns when building a Rube Goldberg machine with everyday objects?

Yes, safety should always be a top priority when building a Rube Goldberg machine. While using everyday objects may seem harmless, it's important to be cautious and take necessary precautions to prevent any accidents. This could include wearing protective gear, keeping small children and pets away from the machine, and avoiding the use of any sharp objects or hazardous materials.

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