GOLDBERG’S GARAGE
Description:
Participants will design, build, bring, and test a Rube Goldberg- like Device, which
incorporates Action Transfers and at least 4 of the 6 simple machines to accomplish a
given task in 35 seconds. The task will be identical for each team. Devices will be
constructed prior to the competition.
Number of Participants: 2 team members
Approximate Time: 10 minutes (Set-Up) and 10 minutes (Competition)
The Competition:
1) Teams will complete the following task with their device:
Raise a flag at the end of 35 seconds
2) The device will be started by the team rolling a toy car. Once the device is started,
the team must step back and wait behind the line designated by the competition
Officials.
3) The device must fit inside an imaginary box 2feet long x 2feet wide x 3feet
high. Please note that this is a large dimension; however make certain that your device
will fit through a single door opening. The device may not use electrical, heat,
chemical, or electromagnetic energy or any other harmful items. The device should be
strictly operated on mechanical energy. All sources of energy and actions must take
place within the imaginary box before, during, and after the device’s operation. The
device will be placed on the ground, not on a table.
4) The task must be accomplished between 30-40 seconds.
5) Points are awarded for each UNIQUE ACTION TRANSFER, 10 points for each Action
Transfer,and a maximum of 50 points for 5 Action Transfers. These do the following:
Create a unique action.
Cause a subsequent action that contributes to the completion of the task.
6) Points will also be awarded for incorporating at least 4 of the 6 simple machines. No
extra points will be awarded for using all 6 simple machines.
7) Teams must submit a flow chart to the Event Supervisor as part of the Goldberg’s
Garage Build Binder that describes the sequence in which the Action Transfers will
occur and lists and explains the simple machines that the team has used. Scoring will
be based only on the Action Transfers and Simple Machines contained on the flow
chart. The ONE PAGE flow chart must be easy to follow (well organized, neatly done,
may contain diagrams and brief text).
8) Each device will also be subject to a safety inspection before operation. Uncontrolled
or hazardous non-shielded falling of launched objects, hazardous materials or spills,
hazardous flammable substances, use of electronic, chemical, heat, electromagnetic
sources can lead to disqualification.
Scoring:
The scoring is based on the number of Unique Action Transfers and the use of at least
4 of the 6 Simple Machines. These Action Transfers and Simple Machines must also be
documented in the ONE PAGE flow chart that is required in the Goldberg’s Garage Build
Binder. The term UNIQUE means that a particular Action Transfer can count only the
first time that it is used. Identical Action Transfers of the same type are allowed but not
scored. For example: a rolling ball that knocks down a series of cascading dominoes to
cause the next action is ONE Action Transfer. The rolling ball and the dominoes could
be used again, but would not be scored if used in the same order. Points will be
awarded as follows:
10 points awarded for each successful UNIQUE Action Transfer (A maximum of 5
Action Transfers will be scored. You can use however many you want, but only the first
5 UNIQUE Action Transfers will be scored for a total of 50 points).
20 points awarded for each simple machine used (A maximum of 4 simple
machines will be scored. You can use all 6 simple machines if you like, but only the first
4 UNIQUE simple machines will be scored).
50 points awarded for the successful completion of the task: raising a flag at the
end of 30-40 seconds
50 points awarded for the Goldberg’s Garage Build Binder and the creativity of
the Goldberg’s Garage device.
Penalties:
Subtract 1 point for each second over or under the 35 second requirement to
accomplish the required task.
NOTE: The team will have 2 trials of the device and the better time of the run will be
considered.
