If you are after a fun Science activity for your students while they complete online learning at home then Rube Goldberg machines are a great idea. They can be made by students of all ages.

They are the best thing to make when children are learning from home as it gives them time to collect and assemble a fantastic maze of items from around the home.

How to make a Rube Goldberg machine

Introduce your students to Rube

Rube Goldberg, was an American cartoonist, sculptor, author, engineer, and inventor. Goldberg is best known for his popular cartoons depicting complicated gadgets performing simple tasks in indirect, convoluted ways.

Introduce your students to a Rube Goldberg machine

A Rube Goldberg machine is a chain reaction-type machine or contraption intentionally designed to perform a simple task in an indirect and overly complicated way. Examples for some inspiration;

• Optus - It Starts With Yes

• Honda - commercial

• Samsung - Smart Travel

• Mark Rober - has created mazes in his backyard for squirrels

Collect items from around the house

Students will need to have a collection of items such as marbles, toy cars, paper towel rolls, shoe boxes, tubes, cardboard etc. Students will also need sticky tape, glue, cable ties, anything to attach the bits together

Draw up a track first before creating it

Ensure students are creative and innovative.

Test it out

Questions for your students to ask themselves - Were you successful? What needs to be changed or revised?

Creating a Rube Goldberg machine can be a great team-building exercise. It enables students to be creative whilst having lots of fun.

Has your class created a Rube Goldberg machine before? We would love it if you joined the conversation and left a comment below.