“Crazy Contraptions”
is a thought provoking activity that engages students in the design and
construction of exciting and innovative Rube Goldburg style mechanisms. The
comprehensive Crazy Contraptions Activity Guide facilitates the conceptualization, understanding and
application of simple and complex machines. Each Crazy
Contraption requires a 12"x12" wood base with drilled holes. You can purchase
the Crazy Contraptions Base from
TeacherGeek or make the base using the template from the documents below.
Activity Documents
Click to download the pdf document (Acrobat
Reader 5 or newer is required):
Crazy
Contraptions Teach... The engineering design process Simple machines Components
Energy Systems and subsystems Mechanisms Methods of construction
Adaptibility Creativity and ingenuity
Crazy Contraptions
This Rube Goldberg influenced challenge uses
TeacherGeek components as well as other common items to build a
complex machine to accomplish a very simple task. There are limitless
design and innovation opportunities possible by combining the components
supplied with this activity such as pulleys, cups, gears, linkages, cams,
wood strips, screws, cars, chipboard, marbles and wire. Also, with
the incorporation of recycling bin treasures, old toy parts, or
other found items, the engineering possibilities are
endless.
Innovation Components
Innovation components allow for greater alternative and
innovative designs. They are not required, but are suggested to bring more
engineering and innovation to the activity. Only a few innovation components are
usually needed to create alternative designs, so your supply of innovation
components can be used for many crazy contraptions. Here are some
ideas:
Anything else you can think of--raid the recycling bin,
wood, metal, plastic, broken toys, etc.
What Else Do I
Need?
Crazy Contraptions Base Each Crazy
Contraption requires a 12"x12" wood base with drilled holes. You can purchase
the Crazy Contraptions Base from
TeacherGeek or make the base yourself using wood from a local lumber yard.
Directions and a template for making bases are included in the Crazy Contraptions Activity Guide.
