Rube Goldberg Machines: A Physics Build (Flex Schedule)
Learning Physics by building a chain-reaction machine!
Teacher Abby
Average rating:
4.8
Number of reviews:(729)
What's included
Class Experience
****There are no Zoom meetings in this class.***
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What is a Rube Goldberg Machine?
According to Wonderopolis.org, a Rube Goldberg Machine is "... a machine (or contraption or invention or device or apparatus) that uses a chain reaction to accomplish a very simple task in a very complicated manner."
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Course Goals and Methods:
To introduce the concepts of simple machines and basic physics through the construction of a fun and exciting chain-reaction machine. Students will problem solve while discovering how force, gravity, friction, and many other variables act upon objects.
Students will interact with each other and myself by posting in the discussion boards and sharing photos and videos of their mini-projects. Feedback (and if requested, grades) will be given for all submitted assignments.
Lessons will be posted at Noon ET according to the schedule below!
Week 1 - Introduction to Rube Goldberg Machines
Day 1: Simple Machines
Day 2: Brainstorming
Day 3: Troubleshooting
Day 4: The Final Product!
Week 2 - The Unconventional Dominoes Challenge
Week 3 - Changing the Channel Challenge
Week 4 - Fighting Gravity Challenge
Week 5 - The Projectile Motion Challenge
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Flexible Schedule:
Help and feedback are provided for all submitted assignments, and grades are available on request.
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Prerequisites:
Students should be able to work with simple tools, such as a screwdriver, scissors, glue, and tape.
Some parental supervision may be necessary.
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Time Requirements:
They will watch lessons and then work on homework designed to help them build their own Rube Goldberg machines. The amount of time students will need to spend on this class will depend greatly on the complexity of their chosen build.
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Future Classes:
Students who wish to continue exploring physics and other STEAM concepts should check out my Disney STEAM classes!
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Supply List
***There are no Zoom meetings in this class. Lesson videos are hosted on YouTube, so it cannot be blocked for this class.***
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Students will need access to a video camera or smartphone with video recording capabilities. They will also need a variety of everyday objects. Some suggested materials include:
Tape
Glue
Scissors
String
Dominoes
Marbles
Balloons
Foil
Cardboard boxes
Toilet paper tubes
Toy cars
Funnels
______________________________________________________External Resources
In addition to the Outschool classroom, this class uses:
Joined June, 2017
4.8
729reviews
Teacher expertise and credentials
Teacher Abby is passionate about Disney, math, reading, traveling, Harry Potter, and knitting (which is just applied math). She and her husband have two energetic children and three rambunctious dogs. You could run into Teacher Abby at Disney just about every other weekend unless she is building robots, or visiting the tech center at the Orlando public library.
Teacher Abby has been an educator for over a decade, holds a masters in mathematics education, and has worked with over 1000 learners from elementary age to adults returning to college. She is currently a professor of mathematics specifically focusing on self-paced and online learning for two colleges and one high school. Teacher Abby has designed and taught several classes for homeschoolers as well as for those seeking enriched learning outside of the traditional educational box.
Teacher Abby is currently co-champion of the Central Florida Mensa mathematics competition, but is aiming to claim the title outright next year. She believes that everyone should love STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics) and is converting reluctant students into engaged learners every year. Teacher Abby has also tutored over 150 students individually and through this has mastered teaching specifically to all learning styles. Each of her classes is designed to work for students with any learning style and to be engaging for everyone!
Reviews of Abby's Teaching:
"Abigail is amazing at explaining difficult math concepts in fun and easy to remember ways that help a lot when it comes to tests. I struggled with college math and with her help managed to make an A+ in calculus of all things with multiple 100 scores. She is very nice and easy to talk to about difficulties in understanding and will not move on until the material is understood."
"My daughter got a 37% on her first honors physics test earlier this year. She's been working with Abigail once a week since then and just got a 96% on her final exam. Abigail did an amazing job helping her to understand the subject."
"Abigail has been great with my 16 year old daughter. We have worked with a number of tutors and we just could not seem to find one that worked well. My daughter is smart, she just needs some extra one on one explanation on math topics. Abigail is able to explain things in a way that is easy to understand and retain for homework later. She is worth every penny!"Reviews
Live Group Class
$7
weekly or $35 for 5 weeks5 weeks
Completed by 208 learners
No live video meetings
Ages: 9-14
