We are starting a Rube Goldberg unit in school. Do you know what a Rube Goldberg machine is? It is a machine that uses a complex way to do a simple task, such as to crack an egg or ring a doorbell. it is named after the inventor and cartoonist Rube Goldberg, who designed many of such fascinating machines.

I made a tough decision to work as an individual, since there was a possibility for working with Elliott and Ronald. I already have decided that the goal of my Rube Goldberg is to pop a balloon. My brothers are helping me by offering suggestions for more complex ways.

I already have designed part of the machine, but I will add to it further in the project. I do not have a complete materials list yet. From my research, I learned there are many possibilities for a goal. I am also working on a zip line idea in the Rube Goldberg. I also tested the last 2 steps, a cylinder pushing a truck down a ramp with a needle taped to its front to pop a balloon in a napkin holder. That sounds ridiculous, right? It is so the balloon does not move away. But it can be useful.

I hope everything goes as expected, without too many takes. We already took a slow-mo video of the popping test.