STEAM-Rube Goldberg Machine

Today students participated in a S.T.E.A.M. (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Math) activity. First students were shown a few videos for inspiration. Their first inspiration came from a video demonstrating an elaborate Rube Goldberg Machine. Students were then shown a couple of terrific machines Grade 8 students at Shanty Bay P.S. created (my wife teaches at Shanty Bay). Next, students were given the below STEAM task: Students worked in partners. Each group had access to a large variety of materials in the classroom (different types of tracks, blocks, dominoes, toy cars, golf balls, tape, Lincoln Logs, CD jewel cases, cardboard ramps and more). Students collaborated with their partner in planning and building their machine. They also needed to use their resources responsibly and share resources with the rest of the class. Tomorrow we will be discussing their experiences with this activity as well as why they think they were asked to do this activity. The amazing results: