Transcript “To invent, you need a good imagination and a pile of junk.” —Thomas Edison (1847-1931)

“To invent, you
need a good
imagination and
a pile of junk.”
—Thomas Edison
(1847-1931)
A Rube Goldberg machine
is a comical, complicated invention
that performs a simple operation.
Mealtime can be messy—but not with this self-operating
napkin thought up by cartoonist Rube Goldberg!
Need to catch a bike thief? Check out this wacky
contraption inspired by Rube Goldberg.
Go through steps 1 to 11 to see how the thief was nabbed!
Every year, high school and college
students compete in a Rube Goldberg Contest
at Purdue University in Indiana.
Watch this video about the contest:
http://www.thorp.k12.wi.us/~goodman/Rube%20website/
Site/Podcast/Entries/2009/4/1_RUBE_GOLDBERG.html
The Big Questions:
• Who was Rube Goldberg?
• What is a simple machine?
• What are two examples of simple machines that
could be used in a Rube Goldberg contraption?
To find out, read “One Zany Device” on page 20
of the February 1, 2010, issue of Science World.
Project Time!
Draw or build a Rube Goldberg machine
that can squirt toothpaste onto a
toothbrush. Use 10 or more steps,
including at least three simple machines.
Scholastic Classroom Magazines. www.scholastic.com
Photo Credits:PAGE 1: Illustration: Jim Paillot. PAGE 2: Nathan Lazarnick/George Eastman House/Getty Images (Edison).
PAGE 3: Rube Goldberg, Inc. (comic). PAGE 4: Illustration: Lance Lekander. PAGE 5: Courtesy Thorp High School (video).
PAGE 6: istock (toothpaste). All Background Illustrations by Jim Paillot.