There are 2 lessons to be learned with this resource. One is about designing and creating a magnificent Rube Goldberg machine. The other is about learning from failure.
Use this TEDed resource to find out about magnificent machines and learning from our mistakes.
Structure and features
Ask students to:
- watch the video of Audri's monster trap
- work through the think, dig deeper and discuss sections.
Students can then use any everyday materials they find at home or at school to make their own Rube Goldberg machine.
Ask students to watch this video on how to build a Rube Goldberg machine by artist Joseph Herscher and then:
- think of a problem that needs solving
- design a machine on paper that could solve the problem
- show the design to an adult
- collect materials and begin making – this is the prototyping phase
- predict the number of successes and failures the machine will have
- test the machine for successes and failures
- film the machine working successfully
- if allowed, post the film in a safe online space.
Students should ask: Did the machine work? Why? Why not? How could it be improved?
Links and files
Teacher notes
Students will need materials like toy cars, train tracks, dominoes, marbles, scissors, tape and cardboard.
This resource aligns with the Design and Technologies subject in the Australian Curriculum.
It relates to the Engineering Principles and Systems context. Students need to use design thinking.
