Rube Goldberg Workshop
*This course is intended for upper elementary students
Workshop Schedule
1:00 pm - 3:00 pm PST
Monday, June 30th
A 15-minute break will be built into class.
Note: Classes are listed in PST, click below to convert time to your time zone.
Workshop Overview
Do you know someone who is a cartoonist, sculpturist, inventor, writer, and engineer? Rube Goldberg explored and excelled in all of these disciplines and more-maybe you do too! Goldberg is best known for his clever contraptions that perform simple tasks in elaborate ways. In this workshop, we will briefly examine the physics behind these machines covering topics like simple machines, the law of conservation of energy, understanding the different forms of energy, and more. Students will also have the opportunity to begin creating their own Rube Goldberg machines through scaffolded instruction and experimentation. Join us for a fun and fascinating journey into the physics of play!
Student Outcomes:
- Explain and identify different forms of energy
- Apply the design thinking process to their inventions
- Collaborate with peers throughout the design thinking process
- Foster a growth mindset and persevere through challenging moments
Student Experience
Design Thinker
Engineer
Scientist
Inventor
Your Teacher: Sarah Merkt
Sarah Merkt has worked as a teacher and curriculum designer for over 12 years in gifted schools in both Asia and America. She holds her certification in Middle Childhood Education from Xavier University. Most recently, she worked for 4 years at The Nueva School in Hillsborough, CA. She is a passionate advocate for gifted students and their parents and strives to infuse best practices into her curriculum in the classroom. She currently serves as Program Manager and Learning Consultant at Cresconova.
