How Things Work 2: Rube Goldberg Machines (Full Physics Curriculum Grades 4-6)
In Part 2 of this series, students learn about energy, work, & simple machines, culminating with a Rube Goldberg machine project. Follows the REAL Science Odyssey physics curriculum. NO pre-requisites to join.
Kim Musolff
Average rating:
4.9
Number of reviews:(225)
What's included
18 live meetings
13 hrs 30 mins in-class hoursHomework
1-2 hours per week. There will be weekly assignments, such as short readings, observations, data collection, video watching, or information collecting. Students are strongly encouraged to complete the homework before class, so that class time can be productive and fun.Assessment
Students are constantly assessed informally throughout the class. Formal written evaluations or grades are available upon request.Grading
includedClass Experience
US Grade 4 - 6
This hands-on, interactive science class gives students in GRADES 4-6 a foundation in the basics of physics. Through experiments, engaging books, and fascinating, interactive science videos, students discover the way the world works around them. The class follows the R.E.A.L Science Odyssey curriculum, which incorporates math, the scientific process, and science topics at age-appropriate levels. Students create scientific models, compare results, form questions, and interpret data, just like REAL scientists! This class may be taken as a stand-alone class, but it is also designed to be part of a full-year 36-week science curriculum for grades 4-6. This class is PART 2 of 4. PART 1: Intro to Physics PART 2 (THIS CLASS): The Physics of Rube Goldberg PART 3: Invisible Forces PART 4: Electricity & Quantum Physics ****************************** STRUCTURE OF CLASS ****************************** Each class is 45 minutes in length and consists of a variety of activities, depending on the topic being studied. Learning activities in this class include, experiments, discussions, readings and engaging videos. Students are expected to come to class with their science journal and materials ready to go. (See materials list) ***************** FALL 2023-24 ***************** WEEK 1: SIMPLE MACHINES INTRO What is a simple machine and how does it help us do work? Activities: Playing with Planes; Making Wedges WEEK 2: SCREWS & LEVERS How do screws help us do work? What is a leve? Activities: Studying screws; Large, Little, & Long Levers WEEK 3: LEVERS What is a 2nd class lever? Activities: Moving the planet with a lever; Wheeling It In WEEK 4: LEVERS & WHEELS Why are there so many kinds of levers? How is a wheel like a lever? Activities: Lever Detectors; Making a Wheel & AXLE WEEK 5: WHEEL AND AXLE AND PULLEYS How does the wheel & axle help us do work? How can we use a wheel to make a pulley? Activities: Real world wheels; Building Pulleys WEEK 6: MORE PULLEYS How do different kinds of pulleys help us do work? Activities: Building Pulleys; Simple Machine Summary WEEK 7: ENERGY TRANSFER What do Rube Goldberg Machines Do? How do they transfer energy? Project Intro: Build your own Rube Goldberg machine Activities: Building a Roller Coaster WEEK 8: CHAIN REACTIONS How can we use chain reactions & simple machines to perform tasks? Activities: Rube Goldberg Planning WEEK 9: PRESENTATIONS Activities: Share Your Rube Goldberg Machine ********************************************** FULL HOMESCHOOLING CURRICULUM ********************************************** This course may be taken alone, but is also part of a full homeschooling curriculum I offer on Outschool for grades 4-6. If you're interested check out my Outschool schedule or this pdf of my full 2023-24 school year classes.
Learning Goals
Upon completion of this class, students will have an understanding of
-Simple Machines: Planes, Wheel & Axle, Pulleys, Levers & Screws
-Energy and work
-Transfer of energy
-Potential energy
Other Details
Parental Guidance
Students may be using scissors in some of the experiments. Please provide parental guidance during these labs.
Supply List
Students will need a copy of the REAL SCIENCE ODYSSEY PHYSICS student pages. Students will use this for all four parts in the series. They should place the pages in a 3-ring binder for easy access during class. If you have already purchased this for Part 1, YOU WILL NOT NEED TO PURCHASE IT AGAIN. Student Pages: https://www.pandiapress.com/product/real-science-odyssey-physics-level-one-student-pages/ eBook- $24 Print Book- $35 You will receive a detailed supply list upon enrollment. Please look over the list as soon as you get it, so you have time to order any necessary items before the start of class. Generally, the supplies are common, household objects. There are a few items you may need to purchase or find, including: -Marbles -Straw -Stiff foam board -Cardboard (save your boxes!) -Magnifying glass (optional) -Pulley K'nex Kit, available on Home Science Tools for about $40: https://www.homesciencetools.com/product/knex-levers-pulleys-building-set/
1 file available upon enrollment
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Joined April, 2020
4.9
225reviews
Teacher expertise and credentials
Colorado Teaching Certificate in Elementary Education
I am a Colorado-certified K-6 teacher with over 20 years of experience teaching math and science to grades K-6. I have taught in public schools, private schools, as well as homeschool environments. I have also homeschooled my own 4 children. I have been teaching science classes on Outschool for over 3 years. Reviews
Live Group Class
$33
weekly or $290 for 18 classes2x per week, 9 weeks
45 min
Completed by 12 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 9-12
4-10 learners per class
