What is a Rube Goldberg machine
"A Rube Goldberg machine is the most complex way we can complete a task using simple machines in the manner of Rube Goldberg.
Or
In contradiction to Occam's Razor, which states that the simplest explanation or path is the correct one and in a effort to forgo all shortcuts, cheats, and efficient uses of our time, how can we take a task that is of the utmost simplicity - a job that requires no additional steps or thought, something so simple that (in defense of Geico insurance) a caveman could do it - and utilize our knowledge of the functions and uses of simple machines such as levers, wheels, axles, pulleys, incline planes, wedges, and screws, as well as taking inspiration from the cartooning work predominantly credited to the great Rube Goldberg to create a complex and labyrinthine series of steps so confusing and maze-like that most people cannot fallow it clearly upon first glance and then use this round about method and series of steps to, as an end product, merely result in the original simple task being completed." Mr Williams
A due date was set for October third.
Or
In contradiction to Occam's Razor, which states that the simplest explanation or path is the correct one and in a effort to forgo all shortcuts, cheats, and efficient uses of our time, how can we take a task that is of the utmost simplicity - a job that requires no additional steps or thought, something so simple that (in defense of Geico insurance) a caveman could do it - and utilize our knowledge of the functions and uses of simple machines such as levers, wheels, axles, pulleys, incline planes, wedges, and screws, as well as taking inspiration from the cartooning work predominantly credited to the great Rube Goldberg to create a complex and labyrinthine series of steps so confusing and maze-like that most people cannot fallow it clearly upon first glance and then use this round about method and series of steps to, as an end product, merely result in the original simple task being completed." Mr Williams
A due date was set for October third.
The Task
Our task was to create a Rube Goldberg machine capable of doing a simple task in at least 10 steps and 5 simple machines. This was the simple part! After much work and design we finally had most of a plan and a goal, squash Wile E. Coyote. We also designed the back board of it after Looney Tunes Wile E. Coyote and the Road Runner! We were given nine days, each lasting around one and a half hour. An additional challenge was to make it look good! This was the most difficult part, I'm not creative in the slightest.
Build Time
During construction of the Rube Goldberg machine he had a few setbacks, one causing halting a step for 2 days. It is high lighted in the work log. We used everything from .5' screws to 3 inch screws! Also one pulley, several strings, a heck ton of 2x4s, and so many other small parts that it would senseless to name! Over the nine days, we proved that if you're the person to forget his materials, you will be blamed for everything!
The final product
On the beginning of day ten, the Rube Goldberg machine was completed, finished some slight painting. The end result had ten steps and five simple machines, as planned. The ten steps are as fallows: 1. A wedge* is released, 2. A car roles down an incline plane*, 3. Falls into a pulley, lifting a board and upsetting the balance of a marble, 4, Marble falls into a screw* and out the other end, 5. Rolls down more incline plane, 6. Collides with another marble, 7. Marble overturns lever, adding a third marble, 8. Marbles fall off but land on incline plane towards, 9. a piece of ply wood, scattering marbles, 10. With luck one of them hits a giant marble, falling onto Wile E. Coyote.
The end result
In this assignment, we received an 83% in this project. I feel this is a fair score as we had several major mistakes. First off, we almost didn't complete the build. Second, in our presentation, 3/4 of us didn't look at the audience while presenting. Third, we placed blame on teammates instead of forgiving them. We did however do well in terms of teamwork, normally working extremely well, often jamming to some some 70's music. We mostly worked without a leadership, just kind of ask what needs done. We also learned how to better handle power tools and how to not decide on a paint.