Rube Goldberg Big 6 Research

Your task is to create an exhibit for Sensational Science Night. You must create a display to educate your audience on the use of the 6 simple machines used in everyday life. In addition, you and your classmates must create a Rube Goldberg machine. You will open your display to the public on January 18, 2007.

You will work in a group of 3-4 and the following may assist you in completing your task:

Project Managers roles

Problem sheet for Rube Goldberg machine

This is the first step to preparing yourself for your Rube Goldberg machine. You will follow the Big 6 process for completing this first task. Your team will start with $100 for expenses.

During this project the following Fines will be imposed.

Big 6 Steps

Step 1 Task Definition

1.1 Define the information problem.

1.2 Identify information needed in order to complete the task (to solve the information problem). The following questions may assist you in understanding your task.

· What do I have to do?

· What materials do I need?

· How long will it take?

· How should I plan my time?

· How can my group work smarter?

· What is each group member responsible for?

· What is our first deadline?

· What do I know about simple machines?

· What are the simple machines?

· How do simple machines work?

· Who was Rube Goldberg?

· What did his work look like?

· How is energy transferred?

· What is the difference between kinetic and potential energy?

Step 2 Information Seeking Strategies

You will need resource time for sale and a library pass.

2.1 Determine the range of possible sources (brainstorm).

2.2 Evaluate the different possible sources to determine priorities (select the best sources).

• What are my sources for information?
• Which sources are the most informative?
• What does each source cost?
• What is the most effective use of our economic resources?
• Do I have at least 3 sources?
  
  

Step 3 Location and Access

3.1 Locate sources (intellectually and physically).
3.2 Find information within sources.

Locate sources and access the information within them.

Where will I locate these sources?

• School library
• Public or university library
• Personal library
• Provided by my teachers
• Internet
• Other

Key words to use: for example “simple machines”

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Step 4 Use of Information

4.1 Engage (e.g. read, hear, view, touch) the information in a source.
4.2 Extract relevant information from a source.

Use a source to gain information—How will I record the information that I find?
	take notes using cards
	take notes on notebook paper
	take notes using a word processor
	take notes using a data chart or other graphic organizer
	illustrate concepts
	use a tape recorder, video, or digital camera

Step 5 Synthesis

Your group will get an additional $100 and need the material list.

5.1 Organize information from multiple sources
5.2 Present the information in visual format

• How will I show my results?
• What are the 6 simple machines?
• What is the purpose of each machine?
• How does the machine make work easier or more efficient?
• Brainstorm a list of everyday items and list the machine involved.

5.3 Rube Goldberg Machine Construction

• Start by forming your Project Team. Assign roles.
• Research Rube Goldberg and his designs via the web.

• Complete the following homework activity to demonstrate your understanding of Rube Goldberg’s process.
• Have I made thumbnail sketches of my machine?
• Is there enough energy flow in my machine?
• Is everyone completing their assigned roles?

Step 6 Evaluation

6.1 Judge the product (effectiveness) See rubric.doc
6.2 Judge the information problem-solving process (efficiency).

• Record your group evaluation of the visual. Turn in to the teacher.
• Record your group evaluation of the Rube Goldberg machine. Turn in to the teacher.