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In this fun and, at times, hilarious force and motion activity, learners will use household objects to build a crazy contraption and see how far they can get a tennis ball to move. This is an excellent activity to explore all of the various forces that can act upon an object. Try visiting www.rube-goldberg.com for inspiration for your contraption.
- 10 to 30 minutes
- 1 to 2 hours
- $1 - $5 per group of students
- Ages 4 - adult
- Activity
- English
Quick Guide
Materials List (per group of students)
- kitchen gadgets
- tools
- string
- rubber bands
- tennis ball or racquetball
- fasteners, like Velcro or tape
- lots of space!
Subjects
-
Engineering and Technology
-
Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
-
Engineering
-
Physical Sciences
-
Energy
- Potential and Kinetic Energy
-
Motion and Forces
- Machines
- Gravity
- Momentum and Velocity
- Acceleration
- Projectile Motion
- Newton's Laws
-
Energy
-
The Nature of Technology
-
The Design Process
- Invention and Innovation
- Problem Solving
- Troubleshooting and Maintenance
-
The Design Process
Informal Categories
- Toys
Audience
To use this activity, learners need to:
- see
- be mobile
- touch
Learning styles supported:
- Involves teamwork and communication skills
- Uses STEM to solve real-world problems
- Involves hands-on or lab activities
Other
Includes alignment to state and/or national standards:
Access Rights:
- Free access
By:
Source Collection
- Family Programs & Camps
Rights:
- All rights reserved, COSI Columbus, 2009