Rube Goldberg Machine: Engineering Challenge

Learn about simple machines and chain reactions as you work through this engineering challenge! A Rube Goldberg Machine is a contraption that attempts to complete a simple task in the most complicated way possible.

Create a Rube Goldberg Machine to squirt soap or hand sanitizer into someone’s hand.

Before you get started on your Rube Goldberg Machine complete the following steps. Check out the links in the “Discussion Tab” for resources like handouts and videos.

1. Learn about Rube Goldberg and why he was famous.
2. Learn about simple machines and how they multiply force without multiplying work.
3. Check out other Rube Goldberg Machines!
4. Consider your materials. Have an adult help you choose which objects or recyclables in your home can be used to create your machine.
5. Consider your space. Have an adult help you choose the best space in your home to create your machine.
6. Plan your machine. Sketch out ideas to see how you will connect your simple machines, then test them out to see how they work before putting them together.

To earn a Rube Goldberg Machine patch from Girl Scouts of New Mexico Trails make sure you follow the rules below.

• Your machine must squirt soap or hand sanitizer into someone’s hand.
• Your machine must include at least 10 chain reactions with at least 4 simple machines.
• Once your machine is in motion, it must complete all 10 chain reactions without the help of a person.
• You can do this activity with your friends or family, but the project must be led by the Girl Scout(s).
• Be creative!

To earn your Rube Goldberg Machine patch from Girl Scouts of New Mexico Trails you must submit a video with the following.

1. Introduce yourself and your team (if you have friends or family help you).
2. Briefly list the 10 chain reactions and 4 simple machines you use in your machine.
3. Show a non-edited, continuous shot of your machine from start to finish (showing each step with no interference from a person).
4. Post the video on the discussion page of this Facebook event or submit to our STEM Program Manager by midnight on June 25, 2020.

This is for ALL AGES! But you can also earn steps to badges and journeys while completing your Rube Goldberg Machine!

• Brownie Inventor Badge
• Brownie Journey: Think Like an Engineer – Step 1
• Junior Drawing Badge – Steps 2 & 3
• Junior Mechanical Engineering Badge: Balloon Car Design – Step 1
• Junior Mechanical Engineering Badge: Crane Design – Step 1
• Junior Journey: Think Like an Engineer – Step 1