RMS Project Makes Simple Tasks Complicated
Hands-on learning at RMS was in full swing this week as students created Rube Goldberg machines. I had to look up Rube Goldberg and found that he was a cartoonist who drew complicated gadgets performing simple tasks. One famous cartoon, that ultimately ended up on a postage stamp, illustrates the use of a self-operating napkin; depicted in 13 steps.
How does this apply to a middle school science class? Think energy and energy transformation.
I visited Mrs. Johnathan’s class on Tuesday and saw many of the machines in action. The students were animated, they were excited, and they were engaged.
Take a look at the pictures and ask yourself, what kind of complicated gadget would you make to turn on music, turn off the light, pop a balloon, or hit a target? Assume you are only provided balloons, styrofoam cups, washers, dominoes, rubber bands, flexible racetrack sections, and PVC pipes. It gets a little silly!
