Learning how to make a Rube Goldberg Machine can be a fun activity for the whole family, especially on a rainy day.
Table of Contents
You’re probably saying to yourself, “What the heck is a Rube Goldberg Machine?” While the name is long the answer is very simple, its a complex contraption designed to achieve a simple task.
While this might sound overwhelming most kids ages 6 and up will love this activity and the older they are the more elaborate the machine will be. Watch the video below to see a great example of a Rube Goldberg Machine.
It doesn’t matter what you use to build your Rube Goldberg Machine. All that matters is you get creative and have fun. Here is a Rube Goldberg Machine materials list. I’ve used all of these items when creating Rube Goldberg Machines in the past.
I repeat you do not need all these things! Just search around the house for things you have and think up creative ways to use them.
I’m sure there are other things around your house that you’ll find during your search for materials too.
Like I’ve been saying, get creative! There is no such thing as a Rube Goldberg Machine that is too big or too small!
Before you start building a Rube Goldberg machine, you need a task for it to accomplish. What simple action should your machine do? Here are some examples:
None of these ideas appeal to the kids? No worries, have them come up with something, just make sure it’s a simple task.
Now that you’ve gathered all your materials together and picked a task it’s time to start building.
Grab a piece of paper and a pencil and sketch out what you want your machine to look like. The building will go easier, and more smoothly, this way.
With a sketch completed, if you’re working as a team to build the R.G. Machine assign a part of it to build to each kid. If you have one child or each kid is making their own have then start from the end and work towards the beginning. That way you know your spacing will work.
A word of caution when using dominos, I recommend adding them last. Getting them all in place and having them fall because what you were building next to it fell apart or some other mishap happened, is the WORST!
Need some inspiration? Here is a mega R.G. machine designed by the guys at Mythbusters. Their machine is really intricate, so don’t feel you need to go crazy like this, but you might get some inspiration, and it’s really fun to watch!
