Goldberg Gizmos: Energy in Motion!

Design for Mastery Kit

NEW

9th Grade Project 2 weeks

Goldberg Gizmos: Energy in Motion!

Natasha M

HS-PS3-3

HS-PS3-1

Content Expertise

Collaboration

+ 1 more

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Purpose

The purpose of this project is to engage 9th-grade students in a hands-on exploration of energy conversion through the design and construction of Rube Goldberg machines. Students will collaborate in teams to apply scientific principles, optimize efficiency, and creatively solve problems, fostering a deeper understanding of energy concepts. By working with community partners and utilizing the school makerspace, students will develop critical skills in design, reflection, and presentation, culminating in an Innovation Expo to showcase their achievements.

Learning goals

Students will develop a deep understanding of energy conversion and mechanical advantage through hands-on design and construction of Rube Goldberg machines. They will enhance collaboration and leadership skills by co-designing projects, engaging in shared decision-making, and resolving conflicts within teams. Additionally, students will cultivate an academic mindset by reflecting on their learning journey, establishing a sense of identity and belonging, and critically applying scientific principles to optimize machine efficiency.

Standards

[Next Generation Science Standards] HS-PS3-3 - Design, build, and refine a device that works within given constraints to convert one form of energy into another form of energy.
[Next Generation Science Standards] HS-PS3-3 - Design, build, and refine a device that works within given constraints to convert one form of energy into another form of energy.
[Next Generation Science Standards] HS-PS3-1 - Create a computational model to calculate the change in the energy of one component in a system when the change in energy of the other component(s) and energy flows in and out of the system are known.

Competencies

Content Expertise - Students develop key competencies, skills, and dispositions with ample opportunities to apply knowledge and engage in work that matters to them.
Collaboration - Students co-design projects with peers, exercise shared-decision making, strengthen relational agency, resolve conflict, and assume leadership roles.
Academic Mindset - Students establish a sense of place, identity, and belonging to increase self-efficacy while engaging in critical reflection and action.

Products

Throughout the project, students will develop and refine components of their Rube Goldberg machines, culminating in a fully operational device showcased at the 'Innovation Expo.' They will produce a documentary video detailing their design and construction process, which includes interviews and insights from their collaboration with the Director of Innovation. Additionally, students will create interactive stations at the expo to demonstrate individual machine components and explain the scientific principles behind their efficiency improvements.

Launch

Kick off the project with an interactive 'Energy Exploration Fair' in the school makerspace, where students rotate through stations experimenting with different forms of energy and machine components. Invite the Director of Innovation to lead demonstrations that highlight key energy concepts, sparking curiosity and setting the foundation for their Rube Goldberg machine designs. Facilitate a collaborative 'Design Challenge Day' where students work in teams to brainstorm and sketch initial machine ideas, guided by the essential question of maximizing efficiency, with feedback from peers and the Director of Innovation.

Exhibition

The 'Innovation Expo' will serve as a dynamic platform where students display their Rube Goldberg machines to an audience of family members, community partners, and local businesses. Interactive stations will allow students to demonstrate the functionality and efficiency of their machine components while explaining the scientific principles behind them. Attendees will engage with students through live demonstrations and Q&A sessions, fostering dialogue about design choices and energy conversion strategies. A screening of student-produced documentary videos will provide insight into the collaborative design process, highlighting teamwork and innovation. This event will celebrate students' achievements and encourage community involvement in their learning journey.

Plan

Week 1	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4
Activities	Project Launch: Energy Exploration Fair - Students rotate through interactive stations in the school makerspace to experiment with different forms of energy and machine components. The Director of Innovation leads demonstrations to highlight key energy concepts. (50 min)	Design Challenge Day - Students work in teams to brainstorm and sketch initial ideas for their Rube Goldberg machines, guided by the essential question of maximizing efficiency. Peers and the Director of Innovation provide feedback on their initial sketches. (50 min)	Machine Concept Hackathon - Facilitate a collaborative session where students use various materials to prototype parts of their Rube Goldberg machines, fostering creativity and teamwork. (50 min)	Building Simple Machines Workshop - Engage students in a hands-on workshop where they build simple machines like levers and pulleys to understand mechanical advantage and energy transfer, guided by the Director of Innovation. (50 min)
Deliverables	1. Students will complete initial sketches of their Rube Goldberg machine designs, incorporating feedback received during 'Design Challenge Day'. 2. Each student will maintain a design journal with entries documenting daily progress, challenges, and solutions. 3. Teams will develop prototypes of individual components of their machines, tested during 'Prototype Testing Day'. 4. Students will gather peer and expert feedback from the feedback wall and 'Prototype Testing Day' to refine their designs.
Preparation	1. Arrange the school makerspace with interactive stations for the 'Energy Exploration Fair', including necessary materials for energy experiments. 2. Coordinate with the Director of Innovation to lead demonstrations and provide expert feedback during activities. 3. Gather and organize materials for prototyping, such as cardboard, rubber bands, string, small pulleys, and levers. 4. Prepare design journals for each student to document sketches, feedback, and reflections throughout the project. 5. Set up a feedback wall in the classroom for students to post questions and challenges.

Week 2	Day 5	Day 6	Day 7	Day 8
Activities	Prototype Testing Day - Students test machine components in front of peers and the Director of Innovation, gathering input on performance and areas for refinement. (30 min) Feedback Wall Session - Students post questions or challenges on the Feedback Wall, and peers provide suggestions and solutions. (20 min)	Design Iteration Workshop - Students revisit initial sketches and incorporate feedback to make adjustments, guided by the Director of Innovation. (50 min)	Mini-Challenges for Efficiency - Conduct mini-challenges where students optimize machine components for efficiency, documenting their process in design journals. (25 min) Peer Review Circles - Students exchange constructive critiques on design journals, focusing on problem-solving strategies and efficiency improvements. (25 min)	Final Assembly and Testing - Students assemble their Rube Goldberg machines and conduct final tests to ensure functionality and efficiency. (30 min) Reflective Discussion - Students articulate how their understanding of energy and machine concepts evolved and prepare for the Innovation Expo. (20 min)
Deliverables	1. Refined and functional Rube Goldberg machine prototype. 2. Updated design journal entries documenting the design process, refinements, and scientific principles applied. 3. Feedback received from peers and the Director of Innovation during the critique session. 4. A documentary video detailing the design and construction process. 5. Rehearsed presentation and demonstration plan for the Innovation Expo.
Preparation	1. Ensure all necessary materials and tools are available in the makerspace for prototype refinement and final assembly. 2. Set up a designated area for testing Rube Goldberg machines safely and efficiently. 3. Organize a feedback form and rubric for the design critique session to guide constructive feedback. 4. Prepare AV equipment for recording and editing the documentary video. 5. Coordinate with the Director of Innovation for their involvement in the critique and iteration sessions. 6. Arrange the space for the Innovation Expo, including stations for machine demonstrations and video screenings.