Rube Goldberg machine: STEAM investigation

The 4/5/6 class have begun construction of a whole class Rube Goldberg machine as part of our physical sciences unit of work.  Rube Goldberg was a cartoonist and designer of machines that could perform simple jobs in an extravagant way.  Students have been applying their knowledge of different types of energy, how the energy can be transferred and exploring what forces act to limit or assist the work being done.

We are seeking any donations of household recycled or reusable materials for constructing our own Rube Goldberg machine.  Consider if you have any old toys such as cars, ramps, marble runs, dominoes that you could give to the 4/5/6.  Perhaps you have old pulleys or levers or wind up toys or tubes and pipes that could be used.  We would also appreciate big, thick cardboard boxes that we can use as a back board / height construction.  Watch this space for a video of our very own invention soon!