Explore creativity in energy transformations

This Rube Goldberg influenced challenge uses TeacherGeek components as well as other common items to build a complex machine to accomplish a very simple task. There are limitless design and innovation opportunities possible by combining the components supplied with this activity such as pulleys, cups, gears, linkages, cams, wood strips, screws, cars, chipboard, marbles and wire. Also, with the incorporation of recycling bin treasures, old toy parts, or other found items, the engineering possibilities are endless.

Each Crazy Contraption requires a 12"x12" wood base with drilled holes. You can purchase the Crazy Contraptions Base from TeacherGeek or make the base using the template from the documents download.

Crazy Contraptions Teach...
•The engineering design process
•Simple machines
•Components
•Energy
•Systems and subsystems
•Mechanisms
•Methods of construction
•Adaptibility
•Creativity and ingenuity

Innovation Components
Innovation components allow for greater alternative and innovative designs. They are not required, but are suggested to bring more engineering and innovation to the activity. Only a few innovation components are usually needed to create alternative designs, so your supply of innovation components can be used for many crazy contraptions. Here are some ideas:

•Pulleys
•Gears
•Mousetraps
•Playing Cards
•String
•Ping-Pong Balls
•Practice Golf Balls
•Connector Strips
•5mm Dowels
•Perpendicular Blocks
•#12-1/2" Screws
•#10 x 1" Machine Screws
•#10 Washers
•#10 Square Nuts
•Rubber Bands
•Galvanized Colored Wire
•Anything else you can think of--raid the recycling bin, wood, metal, plastic, broken toys, etc.

What Else Do I Need?
•Crazy Contraptions Base Each Crazy Contraption requires a 12"x12" wood base with drilled holes.

You can purchase the Crazy Contraptions Base from TeacherGeek or make the base yourself using wood from a local lumber yard. Directions and a template for making bases are included in the Crazy Contraptions Activity Guide.
•Easy Engineering Tools (includes Reamer, Easy Cutter, #2 Phillips Screwdriver and Slip-Joint Pliers)
•Slider Block (Optional)

Note: If you are an existing TeacherGeek customer, the TeacherGeek part number for this activity is: 7302.

• Easy to connect parts
• Reusable pieces
• Hands on way to investigate the design process
• A true STEM experience

“Crazy Contraptions” is a thought provoking activity that engages students in the design and construction of exciting and innovative Rube Goldberg style mechanisms. The comprehensive Crazy Contraptions Activity Guide facilitates the conceptualization, understanding and application of simple and complex machines. Each Crazy Contraption requires a 12"x12" wood base with drilled holes. You can purchase the Crazy Contraptions Base separately or make the base using the template.