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Grades 6–8

Online Rube Goldberg Machine Project for Middle School

Grades 6–83 hrs 20 minsNGSS aligned

Students design, build, and test their own Rube Goldberg machine in Qweebi's online Makerspace while learning how simple machines and energy transfers work together to create a chain reaction.

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  • No supplies needed
  • No downloads or installs
  • Ready-to-run lessons
Illustration of a Rube Goldberg machine build on a pegboard, showing simple machines connected in a chain reaction, grades 6-8 edition

Works on Chromebooks, Windows, and Mac

Project Snapshot

  • Grade Level

    Grades 6–8

  • Duration

    3 hrs 20 mins

  • Teacher Prep

    Under 30 minutes

  • Career Connection

    Mechanical Engineer

  • Core Concepts

    Simple Machines, Energy Transfer, Chain Reaction

  • Standards

    NGSS: MS-PS2, MS-PS3, MS-ETS1

How This Project Works in Class

In just over 3 hours, students learn how simple machines and energy transfers work, then use the Engineering Design Process to design, test, improve, and share their own Rube Goldberg machine.

  1. 1

    Intro to Rube Goldberg Machines

    The Hook · 10 min

    Students watch an entertaining Rube Goldberg machine in action, learn who Rube Goldberg was, and preview the challenge of building their own chain-reaction machine.

  2. 2

    Learn Simple Machines and Energy Transfer

    Science Bootcamp · 110 min

    Students explore all six simple machines — inclined plane, wheel and axle, lever, pulley, screw, and wedge — while identifying how energy transfers through a Rube Goldberg machine.

  3. 3

    Design Your Rube Goldberg Machine

    Final EDP Challenge · 40 min

    Students use the Engineering Design Process to plan and build their first Rube Goldberg machine prototype that can feed a pet.

    Screenshot of the Rube Goldberg machine builder interface in Qweebi's online Makerspace
  4. 4

    Improve and Share Your Invention

    Reflection · 40 min

    Students refine their Rube Goldberg machines, then create and submit a show-and-tell video where they showcase their invention and explain the challenges they overcame.

    Screenshot of a student recording a show-and-tell video of their Rube Goldberg machine in Qweebi

What Teacher Resources Are Included

Everything you need to prep, launch, and run the Rube Goldberg Machine II project with confidence.

  • Teacher Slides

    Ready-to-present Google Slides with built-in speaker notes.

  • Student Journals

    Google Docs journals where students record observations, explanations, and reflections.

  • Built-In Qweebi Challenges

    Interactive challenges build science intuition and prepare students for the final design challenge.

  • Step-by-Step Teacher Guide

    A clear guide walks you through how to launch and run your Qweebi project.

What Other Teachers Are Saying

More than 250 teachers have brought the Rube Goldberg Machine project to their classrooms.

  • Strong foundation
    "I had students build actual Rube Goldberg machines out of recyclable materials for their final project. The Qweebi lesson really set a solid foundation for student success."
    Photo of Anne Miller, 8th Grade Science Teacher at Big Walnut Middle School, Ohio

    Anne Miller

    8th Grade Science Teacher

    Big Walnut Middle School

    Ohio, USA

  • 8th grade engagement
    "We love it! My room full of 8th graders is engaged and working hard, which is a rarity!"

    Amanda Parashar

    STEAM Teacher

    Shawmont Elementary School

    Pennsylvania, USA

  • Perseverance
    "The students are truly invested in the projects — even my Grade 7 and 8 students who are often 'too cool' for most tasks. It's great learning that lets them self-reflect as engineers and persevere."

    Marena Gillen

    Teacher

    Central Public School

    Ontario, Canada

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I try the Rube Goldberg Machine II project for free?
Yes. When you sign up for Qweebi, you can try 2 projects free, including the Rube Goldberg Machine II project, with unlimited classes and students.
What grade levels is this project best for?
Rube Goldberg Machine II is designed for grades 6–8. Students explore simple machines, energy transfers, chain reactions, and the Engineering Design Process.
How long does the project take?
The project takes about 3 hours and 20 minutes. Most teachers run it across five class periods, depending on their schedule.
Do I need any supplies or kits?
No. Students design, test, and improve their Rube Goldberg machines in Qweebi's online Makerspace, so there are no physical kits, materials, storage, or cleanup.
What devices does it work on?
Qweebi works on Chromebooks, Windows, and Mac computers with a web browser and internet connection. Nothing needs to be downloaded or installed.
Do I need a STEM background to teach this project?
No. The project includes ready-to-present teacher slides, student journals, built-in Qweebi challenges, and a step-by-step teacher guide to help you run it with confidence.

Ready to Run the Rube Goldberg Machine II Project With Your Students?

Try it free with your class — minimal prep, no supplies, and nothing to lose.

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