Rube Goldberg Projects in Physics Class by Lily Hock
Using and applying Physics in a fun way. In Laura Zamora’s Physics class, students were assigned a Rube Goldberg project which challenged them to apply what they have learned into real situations. This project required a 16 step course of continuing momentum to accomplish a task.
Throughout the year, students have learned about how Physics is used in everyday life and how it affects everything around us. “The Rube Goldberg project helps students see cause and effect, chain reactions and a fun, creative way to explore many topics,” Mrs. Zamora said. It gave them a chance to apply what they have learned and demonstrate it by building a machine that would work by itself using physics. When asked about the goal of this task, Mrs. Zamora said, “To accomplish a simple task through a series of complex, seemingly unrelated steps.” Joli Bartczack said, “It was fun and challenging because there was so many different parts involved.” and “I learned how to apply the stuff we’ve been learning about so each step would work.”
This activity turned difficult content and learning into something fun where students could show their creativity and ideas. Each aspect of this project required planning and knowledge students learned throughout the year and gave them an opportunity to apply it to a real situation.
Caption: Fantastic Physics: Junior Joli Bartczack uses creativity and planning to create a Rube Goldberg project for her Physics class. The project was assigned for students to use what they have learned in the class and apply it to something they would create. Bartczack and her group made a Rube Goldberg machine involving a marble and household supplies which extended 16 steps. “It showed us how stuff we’re learning about is applied in real situations,” Bartczack said. Photo by: Lily Hock.