Activity: Build a “Chain Reaction Machine” (Rube Goldberg Style)

Perfect for: Indoors with space or outdoors on a flat surface

Best for: Kids aged 6+ (amazing for problem-solving, engineering, and teamwork)

Activity Description:

Kids design and build their own chain reaction machine using everyday objects to complete a simple task in the most complicated way possible! Think: a marble rolls down a ramp, hits a domino, tips a cup, pops a balloon. It’s a thrilling mix of physics, creativity, patience, and clever thinking.

1. Choose the Goal

Pick a simple end task like:

• Ring a bell
• Water a plant
• Pop a balloon
• Knock over a toy
• Turn off the lights

2. Gather Materials

Raid the recycling bin and toolbox for items like:

• Dominoes, books, cardboard, tubes
• Toy cars, string, marbles, blocks
• Plastic cups, tape, rubber bands, spoons
• Anything safe that can move, tip, swing, or fall!

3. Design the Machine

• Start by sketching the sequence
• Think step-by-step: What happens first? What does it trigger? What happens next?
• Use ramps, levers, pulleys, domino lines, and pendulums

4. Build and Test

• Assemble your setup slowly
• Test one piece at a time
• Be patient—adjusting and failing is part of the fun and learning
• When it finally works, celebrate big!

5. Reflect on What You Learned

• Ask:
  
  • “What part worked the best?”
  • “Where did we need to problem-solve?”
  • “What did we learn about cause and effect?”

6. Add Creativity and Fun

• Name your machine (“The Plant-Waterer 3000”)
• Draw a poster advertising what it does
• Film it and try to beat your record for most steps!

Bonus Tip:

Watch short clips of Rube Goldberg machines for inspiration—then make your own version with a twist!

This wildly fun activity teaches patience, creative engineering, logic, and resilience, all wrapped in play. Type n when you’re ready for the next brain-boosting idea!