• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Menu
  • Science Experiments For Kids
  • Science Fair Projects
  • Preschool Science
  • Science Facts
  • Printable Experiments
  • Science Sparks Books
  • Science Questions
  • Contact Me
Science Experiments for Kids
Menu
  • STEM Challenges
  • Early Years Science
    • Preschool Science
    • Sensory and Messy Play
    • Understanding of the World
    • Pirate Science Experiments
  • Primary Science
    • Baking Soda Experiments
    • Candy Experiments
    • Biology for Kids
    • Climate Change for Kids
    • Coding for Kids
    • Chemistry for kids
    • Electricity for Kids
    • Magic Science Experiments
    • Harry Potter Experiments
    • Human Body Science
    • Air Pressure Experiments
    • Life Cycles
    • LEGO Science Experiments
    • Kitchen Science
    • Famous Scientists
    • Forces and Motion
    • Science Sparks Snippets
    • Key Stage 1 Science
      • Animals
      • Everyday Materials
      • Plants
      • Coding Activities
      • Humans and Health
      • Fine Motor skills
      • Science and Literacy
    • Key Stage 2 Science
      • Animals, Including Humans
      • Electricity
      • Light
      • Plants
      • Materials and their Properties
  • Key Stage 3
  • Holiday Science
    • Christmas Science
    • Halloween Science
    • Easter Science
  • Storybook Themed Science Experiments
  • Wonderful Women in STEM
menu icon
go to homepage
subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • FREE Experiments
  • Science for Kids
    • Kitchen Science
    • Climate Change
    • Egg Experiments
    • Fairy Tale Science
    • Edible Science
    • Human Health
    • Chemistry
    • Inspirational Women
    • Forces and Motion
  • Science Fair Projects
  • STEM Challenges
  • Science Sparks Books
  • Contact Science Sparks
    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • ×

    Home » Make a Rube Goldberg Machine

    Make a Rube Goldberg Machine

    July 20, 2018 By Emma Vanstone 4 Comments

    Did you know that there’s a huge shortage of young people attracted to engineering jobs and a lack of diversity in the profession with the workforce being 88% male and 92% white! I remember taking part in a special engineering event many years ago which was trying to encourage more women into the field, so it makes me quite sad that in the last 20 years the situation hasn’t changed much.

    However, hopefully things are about to improve! A government initiative called the Year of Engineering aims to shake-up people’s ideas about engineering, inspiring the next generation of innovators, inventors and problem solvers by showing them what engineers actually do.

    Chain Reaction Challenge - The Holiday Makers

    The Holiday Makers

    The Holiday Makers is a fun series of activities and challenges for parents to do with their children ( aged 7-16 ). I am always looking for ideas to keep my kids busy and active so these are perfect for us. My girls love anything creative and crafty so these inventive challenges will defintiely appeal to their inquisitive nature.

    Holiday Makers and the Year of Engineering rather like Science Sparks hope to capture the imagination of a generation of children, showing them that science and engineering knowledge and skills open up a world of opportunities. So make some time, pick a challenge and go for it!

    Chain Reaction Challenge

    Holiday Makers challenged us to make our own chain reaction. Inspired by their guide on the website, this is what we came up with.

    Chain Reaction STEM Challenge - Rube Goldberg Machine

    What is a chain reaction?

    A chain reaction is a sequence of events where one thing triggers another.

    This is also an example of a Rube Goldberg machine

    What is a Rube Goldberg Machine?

    Rube Goldberg machines use the principle of a chain reaction to achieve an end goal. The end goal in the case of our chain reaction is the popping of the balloon. Creating a machine like this is a great way for children to learn about cause and effect, conservation of energy and momentum.

    Make a Rube Goldberg Machine – Step 1

    The force of air from the fan starts off the chain reaction by knocking over dominoes. The first domino collides with the second knocking that over and so on until the ball is pushed down the ramp.

    Chain Reaction challenge - Rube Goldberg Machine

    Make a Rube Goldberg Machine – Step 2

    The ball is initially stationary until the force of the last dominoes forces it forwards and down the ramp. The downward slope of the ramp means the ball gains momentum as it travels.

    Chain reaction - rube goldberg machine - STEM for Kids

    Make a Rube Goldberg Machine – Step 3

    The ball pushes a wooden car with a needle attached forward. This is an example of conservation of momentum. Momentum from the ball is transferred to the car, forcing it forwards.

    Remember only moving objects have momentum.

    Chain reaction challenge - science for kids

    Make a Rube Goldberg Machine – Step 4

    The needle bursts the balloon.

    This part was a little tricky to get working. The first car we tried was too heavy for the ball to push forwards and the second too small.

    Experimenting with different objects actually made the process even more fun and the end result very rewarding.

    Chain reaction

    We LOVED creating a chain reaction and can’t wait to design and build more.

    More Chain Reaction Ideas

    Go large! This outdoor huge chain reaction is great fun for the whole family.

    Our craft stick chain reaction is fantastic, explosive fun for the whole family.

    Or, try my easter egg chain reaction!

    Are you ready to start inventing?

    Post in collaboration with The Holiday Makers

    Chain Reactions

    Last Updated on May 28, 2021 by Emma Vanstone

    « Periodic Table of Experiments
    Superhero Academy at Whipsnade Zoo »

    Safety Notice

    Science Sparks ( Wild Sparks Enterprises Ltd ) are not liable for the actions of activity of any person who uses the information in this resource or in any of the suggested further resources. Science Sparks assume no liability with regard to injuries or damage to property that may occur as a result of using the information and carrying out the practical activities contained in this resource or in any of the suggested further resources.

    These activities are designed to be carried out by children working with a parent, guardian or other appropriate adult. The adult involved is fully responsible for ensuring that the activities are carried out safely.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Creepers and Cupcakes

      August 07, 2018 at 9:04 am

      This is such a cute challenge! I would have definitely taken part part with my niece 🙂

      Reply
    2. Fatima

      August 08, 2018 at 10:59 pm

      What a fabulous idea! I will definitely keep this in mind so I can keep my son entertained when he turns 7.

      Reply
    3. bryanna skye

      August 10, 2018 at 3:14 am

      wow what a great initiative! teaching kids about science is so important and this makes it fun and engaging it sounds 🙂

      Reply
    4. WhatLauraLoves

      August 10, 2018 at 9:45 am

      I think that activities like this are great because they get everyone thinking! xxx

      Reply

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Primary Sidebar

    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Twitter
    • YouTube

    What are you looking for?

    JOIN US!

    Get new experiments straight into your inbox every week!!

    Thank you!

    You have successfully joined our subscriber list.

    .

    Copyright © 2022 Science Experiments for Kids on the Foodie Pro Theme