Rube Goldberg

The Rube Goldberg machine was named after cartoonist Rube Goldberg. These machines were designed to perform a simple task in an indirect and overly complicated way. Usually, they are made of several simple unrelated tools. The movement of each tool triggers the next action, eventually reaching the end goal.

The Self Operating Napkin drawing from 1931!

One of my favorite examples of a Rube Goldberg Machine is the game Mouse Trap!

Watch the videos to learn more about Rube Goldberg machines, and to see ideas on how to create one. Then find things around your house you could use to build your own machine. Draw your plan, or post a picture/video of your creation. Have fun!