Launch
Students will experience the Rube Goldberg Design Lab kickoff by analyzing a live chain-reaction demo, identifying cause-and-effect steps, spotting simple machines and science ideas in action, and completing a short first-build challenge that introduces the project goal of designing a safe, reliable machine for a clear final task.
Day 1
⚙️ Chain Reaction Reveal
Launch 75m
Research & Empathy
Students will analyze real Rube Goldberg examples, gather user and audience input, and turn that evidence into clear design criteria, constraints, and early machine directions for a safe, reliable final build.
Days 2 - 5
🕵️ Rube Machine Evidence Sort
Knowledge/Skill Building 75m
🎤 Showcase User Interview Sprint
Community Experience 75m
📋 Criteria and Constraints Draft
Knowledge/Skill Building 75m
🔁 Design Brief Feedback Round
Assessment 75m
Prototype & Feedback
Students will turn their research and early ideas into a tested prototype plan, build quick low-fidelity versions, gather peer and user feedback, and complete at least two documented revision cycles before moving toward a stronger final build.
Days 6 - 9
🧭 Design Brief and Step Map
Knowledge/Skill Building 75m
✏️ Three Concept Sketch Sprint
Knowledge/Skill Building 45m
🛠️ Cardboard Prototype Build
Project Work 105m
👥 Design Conference and User Test
Assessment 75m
Refine & Showcase
Students will refine their Rube Goldberg machines into reliable, audience-ready builds by using testing evidence, peer and expert feedback, and structured revision cycles. They will complete a design conference, improve weak steps, document fixes across repeated trials, rehearse a live walkthrough, and prepare for a stakeholder-facing showcase that explains how force, motion, energy transfer, simple machines, and revision decisions shaped the final machine.
Days 10 - 13
🧭 Design Conference and Build Gate
Knowledge/Skill Building 60m
🛠️ Reliability Fix Lab
Project Work 75m
🎯 Three-Run Reliability Challenge
Assessment 75m
🗣️ Live Walkthrough Rehearsal
Deliverable 60m
Showcase
Students will present their finished Rube Goldberg machines to an authentic audience, complete the three-in-a-row reliability challenge with a live step-by-step walkthrough, gather gallery walk feedback, and document how testing, revisions, safety habits, and teamwork shaped the final result.
Day 14
🎤 Chain Reaction Expo Run
Assessment 75m