The
Rube Goldberg Launch System (writing
instructions)
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DISCUSSION
A Rube
Goldberg machine is one that does a simple task in an altogether
complicated way. For example, the act of
turning on a light via a switch in “Rube Goldberg” style would include as many
as a dozen steps leading up to the
switch actuation. Goldberg’s inventions depicted
the series of acts cartoon style. He
assigned a letter, A., B., C., D., etc., to each device in the process leading
to turning on the switch. Below is an
example of one of Goldberg’s cartoons. In a sense, each of Goldberg’s cartoons is an
invention, though impractical. Of
course, they would not be worth constructing or patenting. Their value is in
the novelty and humor they provide.
Incidentally,
Rube was an engineer. His creations,
though attributed to cartooning, actually exhibit his engineering
abilities. Engineering standards are
observed in the inclusion of pulleys, Newton’s laws (including the law of
gravitation), heat transfer, pneumatics, and other engineering methods and
practices. Indeed, he made expert use of
his education in designing his absurd devices.
In the exercise below, beside each step is listed a science/engineering
topic related to the process.
The
Self-Operating Napkin Invention
By Rube Goldberg
The
"Self-Operating Napkin" is activated when the soup spoon (A) is
raised to mouth, pulling string (B) and thereby
jerking ladle (C) which throws cracker (D) past parrot (E). Parrot jumps after
cracker and perch (F) tilts, upsetting seeds (G) into pail (H). Extra weight in
pail pulls cord (I), which opens and lights automatic cigar lighter (J),
setting off skyrocket (K) which causes sickle (L) to cut string (M) and allow
pendulum with attached napkin to swing back and forth, thereby wiping chin.
_______________________________________________________________________
As a writing exercise, study the drawing below, a
complicated process for launching a rocket.
Enter in the blanks the missing step or device in the list of actions. After completing the list, write a step by
step instructional paragraph about the process.
The value of this exercise is to adhere to accuracy, thoroughness, and
clarity. Whether one is baking a cake
from a written recipe, or a technician is drafting the steps of a rocket test,
failure to be accurate, concise, and thorough leads to a spoiled cake or failed
rocket. “Write what you mean, and mean
what you write” is how one person put it.
(Hint: Several of the steps are included below to
assist in analyzing the launch system. Fill in the rest of the steps and
devices then compose an instructional paragraph.) The sketch below is an adaptation of various
Rube Goldberg cartoons fashioned into a rocket launch activation mechanism.
Turns on
Hot Iron
Heats Ice
Block
Drips
water into pan
Channels
water into pail
Water in pail pulls pulley string
lifting fulcrum arm
Drops
iron ball
Pulls
pulley string
Applies force to mallet
Strikes
boot
Kicks
second boot transfer bars
Kicks
football
Weights
basket
Guides
football trajectory
Pulls on
string
Pulls
scissors handle
_______________
Supports
bag to be dropped
Pulls
down scale arm
Pushes
torch upward
________________
Launches
Grading Criteria
There
are eight blanks in the above sequence of the rocket launching process. Reasonable entries will be allowed as correct. Include the entries to compose the
instruction paragraph for launching the rocket.