Rube Goldberg Machine
For the Rube Goldberg machine, we had to find a simple task and complete it using several complicated steps. We decided to ring a bell 3 times using 3 different tracks. We did this in ten steps using four energy transfers (pictures of steps posted below).We also used all six simple machines (screw, lever, pulley, wheel and axle, wedge, and inclined plane). We had nine days to build.
Physics Concepts
-Velocity is the rate of covered distance in a certain direction. We calculated velocity for the ball rolling down the ramp and going into the spiral.
-Acceleration is the rate of change of velocity (speeding up or slowing down). We calculated acceleration for the lever pushing the red golf ball at the top of the ramp. Acceleration is shown in real life when cars speed up or slow down.
-Force is a push or pull on an object. We used this to help with many calculations.
-Momentum is the tendency of moving objects to keep moving. We calculated momentum for the ball hitting the bell.
-Gravitational potential energy is energy an object has due to its height or position in a gravitational field. We calculated PEg for the input pushing the balls into levers, removing the wedge and having the car roll down, and the massive domino tipping and setting off a chain reaction.
-Kinetic energy is energy due to motion. We calculated kinetic energy for the ball hitting the bell, the car rolling down the ramp, and the massive domino tipping.
-Mechanical advantage is how much easier a tool makes something. We calculated mechanical advantage for the input pushing the lever and the levers pushing the large domino. One thing it can be used for in real life is helping to make construction easier.
Reflection
One thing that went very well during the project was our building. Our machine was very well built, and it had no structural issues. We also made sure everything was drawn to scale and the schematic was perfect by using a 3-D computer program to draw it. This ensured the scale was right and made it easier to show all three level. Something that did not go well was our schedule. We didn't get much done in the first few days, so we had to cram everything into the last two. You can clearly see this if you look at our build log.
A skill that I learned during this project was how to use power tools. At first, I had no idea how to operate a drill or a saw, and now I can use both easily. I also learned a little bit more about collaborating with other people. In previous classes, I have been put in groups with people who are much less focused on science than I am, and I have had to do a lot of the work myself. In this class, everyone is focused on science, and I had to learn how to work with everyone.
One positive thing in this project was when we attached all the parts onto the base. That was the moment when the entire project came together. We attached the bell, dominoes, car, and levers, and suddenly all of our steps connected with each other. Another positive part was our presentation. Our machine worked well (except when the judges were watching), and we had a well-made poster that was much more convenient and easy to read than a PowerPoint on a laptop.Also, we explained all our parts and spoke well.
One negative part of the project was when we realized our original idea wasn't going to work. We originally wanted to have a calculator-like mechanism with inputs and outputs, but the motor that would make part of it work wouldn't connect to a circuit board. We decided to ring a bell instead. Another bad part of the project was when we were only two-thirds of the way done with two days to go. We had to start coming in at lunch to finish. In the end, though, it all worked out.
Physics Concepts
-Velocity is the rate of covered distance in a certain direction. We calculated velocity for the ball rolling down the ramp and going into the spiral.
-Acceleration is the rate of change of velocity (speeding up or slowing down). We calculated acceleration for the lever pushing the red golf ball at the top of the ramp. Acceleration is shown in real life when cars speed up or slow down.
-Force is a push or pull on an object. We used this to help with many calculations.
-Momentum is the tendency of moving objects to keep moving. We calculated momentum for the ball hitting the bell.
-Gravitational potential energy is energy an object has due to its height or position in a gravitational field. We calculated PEg for the input pushing the balls into levers, removing the wedge and having the car roll down, and the massive domino tipping and setting off a chain reaction.
-Kinetic energy is energy due to motion. We calculated kinetic energy for the ball hitting the bell, the car rolling down the ramp, and the massive domino tipping.
-Mechanical advantage is how much easier a tool makes something. We calculated mechanical advantage for the input pushing the lever and the levers pushing the large domino. One thing it can be used for in real life is helping to make construction easier.
Reflection
One thing that went very well during the project was our building. Our machine was very well built, and it had no structural issues. We also made sure everything was drawn to scale and the schematic was perfect by using a 3-D computer program to draw it. This ensured the scale was right and made it easier to show all three level. Something that did not go well was our schedule. We didn't get much done in the first few days, so we had to cram everything into the last two. You can clearly see this if you look at our build log.
A skill that I learned during this project was how to use power tools. At first, I had no idea how to operate a drill or a saw, and now I can use both easily. I also learned a little bit more about collaborating with other people. In previous classes, I have been put in groups with people who are much less focused on science than I am, and I have had to do a lot of the work myself. In this class, everyone is focused on science, and I had to learn how to work with everyone.
One positive thing in this project was when we attached all the parts onto the base. That was the moment when the entire project came together. We attached the bell, dominoes, car, and levers, and suddenly all of our steps connected with each other. Another positive part was our presentation. Our machine worked well (except when the judges were watching), and we had a well-made poster that was much more convenient and easy to read than a PowerPoint on a laptop.Also, we explained all our parts and spoke well.
One negative part of the project was when we realized our original idea wasn't going to work. We originally wanted to have a calculator-like mechanism with inputs and outputs, but the motor that would make part of it work wouldn't connect to a circuit board. We decided to ring a bell instead. Another bad part of the project was when we were only two-thirds of the way done with two days to go. We had to start coming in at lunch to finish. In the end, though, it all worked out.