The Rube Goldberg STEM Project

Grades 3-8 | 3hrs | NGSS Aligned

Put your students in the shoes of Rube Goldberg himself and get them to design a Rube Goldberg Machine that feeds a pet!

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From 30+ happy teachers!

Who is this perfect for?

✅ You’re a grade 3-8 STEM teacher.

✅ You have limited time.

✅ You want to engage students in the 4Cs.

✅ Your students have access to Chromebooks, Windows, or Mac laptops.

What will students learn?

✅ Students will explore all six simple machines and chain reactions.

✅ Students will take on the role of an inventor/engineer.

✅ Students will use the engineering design process to build their machine.

Project Outline

The project is divided into 4 lessons:

✅ In lesson 1, students are introduced to Rube Goldberg and simple machines. (45 mins)

✅ In lesson 2, students complete their exploration of all six simple machines. (45 mins)

✅ In lesson 3, students apply the engineering design process to prototype their own Rube Goldberg machine. (45 mins)

✅ In lesson 4, students refine their machines and create show-and-tell videos. (45 mins)

Prep in less than 30 mins.

1. Review teacher resources

2. Try the project yourself.

3. Run in class

What teachers are saying?

  • "I love this unit! My kids are so into it that I can’t get them to leave after class. I teach 3rd–5th grade gifted education, and this is the best thing I’ve ever found. Two years ago, building a Rube Goldberg machine with physical supplies took so much more time and effort — with Qweebi, students focus on the essentials and the learning is deeper. You’ve made it accessible for everyone, and I’m thrilled — so are my students!"

    KAREN ROBINSON
    STEM Teacher, Grades 3-5
    Jane Addams Elementary, South Dakota, USA

  • "The teacher slides are amazing — so eye-catching and full of movement. The videos worked perfectly, and the whole lesson was very well put together. My students absolutely loved the Rube Goldberg challenge. Every single one was engaged, and I don’t think any of them had ever thought to use simple machines in this way before."

    AMBER DAVIES
    STEM Teacher, Grades 3-8
    Hartington-Newcastle Public School, Nebraska, USA

  • "My 4th graders have been completely obsessed with the Rube Goldberg challenge in the Virtual Makerspace. The lesson plans are so well thought out and organized. I highly recommend this project to teachers everywhere."

    ASHLEE DIXON
    Design Teacher, Grades 3-5
    Meyer Preparatory School, Florida, USA

How to get started?

Sign up to try the project for free in your class.

Qweebi is the easiest way to run STEM

1. NO SUPPLIES NEEDED!

Students can build projects with just their Chromebooks.

2. READY-TO-GO RESOURCES

Pre-built, NGSS-aligned lessons, saving you hours of prep work

3. BUILT-IN ASSESSMENT

Track student progress and understanding effortlessly!

FAQs

  • Qweebi is designed for students in grades 3-8.

  • STEM classes, after school clubs, camps, maker spaces, and community/neighbourhood programs

  • Qweebi works on Chromebooks, Windows, and Mac laptops or desktops with an internet connection.

  • Yes, students will have their own accounts to access the Makerspace and complete challenges

  • One hundred percent. Qweebi is COPPA compliant. We do not collect any personally identifiable information about students.

How to get started?

Sign up to try the project for free in your class.