Submitted by: Freddie, Clara, Sophia and Dylan.
Read their cover letter below:
For our collaborative project, we explored engineering and design by creating a Rube Goldberg Machine inspired by space, the sky, and the earth. The journey began with applying physical forces, particularly gravity, to trigger a chain reaction via a marble run. This initial descent set the machine in motion, followed by a Newton’s cradle which visually and physically demonstrated the transfer of momentum.
Material selection was crucial. After testing various surfaces, we chose plastic for the track due to its low friction, enabling greater speed. This allowed a toy car to knock over cardboard dominoes, ultimately tipping a beaker to water a plant—our final symbolic action representing growth and connection to the earth.
We used recycled materials and repurposed old toys, reinforcing our commitment to sustainability while enhancing creativity. Across 50+ trials and over 20 hours of work, we encountered many setbacks, but each was met with problem-solving and teamwork.
Thematic elements of space, sky, and soil reflected curiosity, emotion, and grounding. These realms helped us tell a story of imagination, resilience, and collaboration. In the end, our machine not only worked—it told a meaningful story through physics.