Rube goldberg

For simple problems, sometimes a complicated solution is better. Well, maybe not better, but certainly more entertaining. Rube Goldberg machines are complex, often humorous devices built to perform ordinary, not very humorous tasks. Here's a collection of the best Rube Goldberg machines from across the internet.

Rube - by Joe Van Wetering

Kids will love this Christmas Rube Goldberg STEM Challenge! Use a series of chain reactions to make a jingle bell land in a cup. So fun!

I wrote an instructional article for Make Magazine's online edition. Head over and learn to build your own simple automata.

My name is Dina and I tell animate stories about inanimate objects. Every object contains a kind of “folded story” inside it. Things can tell what they saw, who held them, who accidentally broke them, and who lovingly gathered up the pieces and repaired them.

The Unusual World of Rube Goldberg More

Rube Goldberg device

Silly or serious? Rube Goldberg machines are not only a lot of fun but can help students to understand the principles of conservation and transfer of energy.

If one could temporarily remove their sense of humor and cast a serious look into a Rube Goldberg machine, they would not say to themselves "well that looks simple." Indeed, it would almost always be ...

Like Bruno Gironcoli’s monumental sculptures, Rube Goldberg’s crazy constructions examine the human element of the machine. And give instructions for nose wiping and catching mice.

John Martz / http://www.flickr.com/photos/robotjohnny/

Art and gallery news, inspiration, modern craft, photography, and visual culture. Published daily.

Art and gallery news, inspiration, modern craft, photography, and visual culture. Published daily.

Mayen Davis on Instagram: “My 6th graders worked so hard on these. Every year I wrap up our simple machines unit with a RubeGoldberg challenge. The challenge is to…”

Check out our Amazing Energy Machine - a portable Rube Goldberg Machine that has been visiting schools for Science Week as part of our Eccentric Energy Show

Do you teach simple machines? They can be so much fun to discuss and explore. They are awesome to create simple...

Graphics for a Rube Goldberg

A Rube Goldberg cartoon from Collier's, December 9, 1944.

Students research simple machines and other mechanisms as they learn about and make Rube Goldberg machines. Working in teams, students utilize the engineering design process to design and build their own Rube Goldberg devices with 10 separate steps, including at least six simple machines. In addition to the use of readily available classroom craft supplies, 3D printers may be used (if available) to design and print one or more device mechanisms. Students love this open-ended, team-building…