≪•◦ ❈ ◦•≫ By creating a unique Rube Goldberg Machine ≪•◦ ❈ ◦•≫
ˏˋ°•*⁀➷ For this project, I’m reflecting on the core competency of creative thinking. Building a Rube Goldberg machine really challenged us to think creatively. The goal wasn’t just to complete a simple task, it was to do it in a fun, intricate, and imaginative way. We aimed to design a machine that would ultimately return a marble to its ‘house’ through a series of interconnected mechanisms. Coming up with ideas for each step, especially finding ways to maintain smooth motion, truly pushed our creative boundaries.
Throughout the design process, several aspects of the machine went exceptionally well. We took great pride in the variety of machines we employed to activate each step, particularly the cup mechanism. One component featured a cup that held a marble, while another part of the machine was designed to trigger the cup to tilt forward, thereby allowing the marble to escape and propagate the chain reaction. It required considerable trial and error to achieve functionality, but once it was operational, it became one of the most rewarding component of the entire machine.
However, not everything functioned perfectly on the first attempt. One of the most significant challenges we faced was timing. At times, one component would operate either too quickly or too slowly, disrupting the entire machine’s performance. Another difficulty involved achieving the precise tilt of the cup, we had to repeatedly adjust the weight, angle, and triggering mechanism. Individually, I concentrated on adjusting my section and experimenting with various solutions until we found one that succeeded. As a team, we maintained constant communication, exchanged ideas, and assisted one another in testing and refining each segment. Teamwork was essential. ˚ ༘♡ ⋆｡˚
Originally, our end goal was always to get the marble into its house, and thankfully, that goal never changed. What did change was how we got there. Some of our early ideas had to be adjusted or replaced when they didn’t work as expected. For example, we tried using a lever at first but later swapped it out for a ramp when we realized the lever wasn’t triggering consistently.
If I could do this project again, I would start testing the entire chain earlier instead of initially focusing only on individual sections. This approach would have allowed us to identify problems with transitions between parts sooner. I would also use more consistent materials, some pieces lacked sufficient weight or friction, which led to delays or failures.
Overall, this project was an excellent opportunity to practice creative thinking and problem solving in a hands-on manner. It was really fun to see how all our ideas came together in the end, and even better when the marble finally made it home.
˚ ༘♡ ⋆｡˚