Tuesday, March 3, 2009

Rube Goldberg





I really liked how the art teacher used Rube Goldberg’s ideas in his class. I have seen science teacher’s work with their students to create Rube Goldberg machines, while learning about different machines such as a lever or pulley, but I haven’t seen any art teacher work with their students on this. I think it is a great way for students to be very creative and different from their other peers. By drawing their designs on paper, they can think of anything, whereas if they were to actually create it, they may be limited due to materials.
In my science course a few years ago we created our own Rube Goldberg machines. This was so much fun because I was able to do anything I wanted. It really made me think about each piece of my machine and how the would all work together. Rube Goldberg’s machines amaze me and his drawings can be comical sometimes too. I enjoy seeing the chain of events that happen between the different parts, just like in the game Mouse Trap. I feel that designing these machines either on paper or actually doing it would be great for visual learners and students who are more hands on. It gives students such excitement when creating these contraptions to see everything work and the final, simpler task is achieved at the end.
One thing that I like to do is to go onto Youtube.com and see all the different intentions people have made using Rube Goldberg’s ideas.

1 comment:

Kathie Maniaci said...

Heather...I'm glad you enjoyed the Rube Goldberg website and assignment. I really like Rube Goldberg drawings because to me, they are thought processes made visible! Kids can plan it on paper, then try to create it in 3-Dimensions if they want to. You could use recycled materials or found objects. It's a great creative exercise and also a great science connection.

14 points