Problems and Solutions

Rube Goldberg Machines 

3rd Grade 

Students began this project by looking Rube Goldberg’s famous machine cartoons including his "self-operating napkin."

Goldberg's machines full of ridiculous and complex steps, all to accomplish a simple task.  Students also watched OKGO’s music video, “This too Shall Pass,”  which is a complicated and entertaining chain reaction, inspired by Goldberg's machines.  If you haven't seen this yet, it's definitely worth a watch, or 5!

Students were then encouraged to think ridiculously in designing their own machine!

 Next, students participated in a brainstorming activity to think of real problems, realistic solutions, and ridiculous solutions.  After sharing the many ideas, students chose their own problem and solution to focus on.  It could be realistic or ridiculous!  Students planned out their idea and chose the materials they would work with.  Some created drawings or paintings, and many created 3D models.   Take a look at the photos documenting their work and creative thinking.

Finally, we practiced experimenting, collaborating, revising, and persisting through failure during a Rube Goldberg machine day.   We watched this awesome kid, Audri, create his functioning Rube Goldberg machine, and then we tried to make our own.  This is certainly a challenge in 45 minutes, but students did a great job experimenting and testing ideas!

Our machines:

problem solving