how to build a homemade rube goldberg machine

How to Build a Homemade Rube Goldberg Machine.

Rube Goldberg (1883-1970) was a scientist and cartoonist who produced satirical work on people’s overly complex problem solving methods. In his comical cartoons, he linked together chain reactions with simple machines to complete basic tasks, like turning on a lamp or frying an egg. Designing and building a Rube Goldberg machine requires innovation and patience. While every machine is different, many builders include versions of other people's ideas, tweaking them or linking them in exciting ways.









Preparing for the Assignment or Competition.



Understand the rules. If you’re building a Rube Goldberg machine for a class or official competition, you will get a packet of information and rules. Before you plan or build your machine, read through this material carefully. While you read, identify the goal, requirements, and restrictions.

If the material is unclear, ask your teacher, parent, or an official to clarify.

If you don’t follow the rules, you may get a poor grade or be disqualified from the competition.



Select a basic task for your machine to accomplish. Rube Goldberg machines are complex structures that rely on chain reactions to execute one simple task. Before you design your machine, determine what you want the machine to do. If you are competing in a Rube Goldberg competition or completing an assignment for school, you may not have the freedom to choose this task. If can pick, consider some of the following options:

Open or close a door.

Turn on a light.

Turn off an alarm.

Pour a bowl of cereal.

Turn on a faucet.



Look for inspiration. Developing a zany, complex machine is not an easy task. Before you create your own Rube Goldberg machine, you may find it helpful to see some examples. While you should use these examples as a source of inspiration and direction, do not copy someone else’s machine. Instead of replicating these machines, make it your goal to improve, alter, or modernize them.



Designing Your Machine.



Collect your materials. Rube Goldberg machines transform traditional building materials, everyday items, and unique objects into functional pieces of equipment that work together to execute a simple task. Spend time gathering items from around your house, purchasing materials from stores, and/or hunting for unique objects at flea markets. Possible building materials include:

Dominos.

Wooden boards.

Toilet paper rolls.

CDs or floppy discs.

Fans.

Toy cars.

Skateboards.

Action figures.

PVC pipe.

Duct Tape.

Peg boards.

Zip Ties.

Magnets.

Marbles.

String.