One of my favorite projects as a science teacher is having students use the design cycle to plan and create a Rube Goldberg machine. This hands-on learning activity helps students build conceptual knowledge regarding systems as well as content knowledge related to simple machines. Additionally, the process of building a Rube Goldberg machine helps improve student resilience and fortitude through trial and error. The few weeks that we work through this project in science is a bit chaotic because there are pieces of everything everywhere. However, with a new Virtual Reality program called Modbox, students could create their Rube Goldberg machines with no mess at all. You can learn more about how this program works below.
In Modbox students can easily set up all sorts of artifacts (tubes, balls, dominoes, rockets, etc), controls (switches, buttons), and adjust the gravity. The possibilities are endless and NO MESS!
Modbox is also useful to conduct science experiments especially ones related to physics. Give it try and let me know what you think.
