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.
