Simple and compound machines are designed to make work easier. When we encounter a machine that does not fit this understanding, the so-called machine seems absurd. In this lesson, the cartoons of Rube Goldberg are introduced and engage the students in critical thinking about the way his inventions make a simple task even harder to complete. As the final lesson in the simple machines unit, the study of Rube Goldberg machines can help students evaluate the importance and usefulness of the many machines around them.

Concepts

compound machines, engineering, mechanical advantage, simple machines, work, rube goldberg, stem

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Additional Tags

integrated teaching and learning program and laboratory, teachengineering, mechanical advantage of machines, rube goldberg machines

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Classroom Considerations

• Knovation Readability Score: 3 (1 low difficulty, 5 high difficulty)