Skip to content

Grades 3–5

Online Rube Goldberg Machine Project

Grades 3–52 hrs 50 minsNGSS aligned

Students design, build, and test their own Rube Goldberg machine in Qweebi's online Makerspace while learning how simple machines work together to create a chain reaction.

Try This Project FreeView All Projects
  • No supplies needed
  • No downloads or installs
  • Ready-to-run lessons
Illustration of a Rube Goldberg machine build on a pegboard, showing simple machines connected in a chain reaction

Works on Chromebooks, Windows, and Mac

Project Snapshot

  • Grade Level

    Grades 3–5

  • Duration

    2 hrs 50 mins

  • Teacher Prep

    Under 30 minutes

  • Career Connection

    Mechanical Engineer

  • Core Concepts

    Simple Machines, Chain Reaction

  • Standards

    NGSS: 3-PS2, 4-PS3, 3-5-ETS and more

How This Project Works in Class

In under 3 hours, students learn how simple machines work, then use the Engineering Design Process to design, test, improve, and share their own Rube Goldberg machine.

  1. 1

    Intro to Rube Goldberg Machines

    The Hook · 10 min

    Students watch an entertaining Rube Goldberg machine in action, learn who Rube Goldberg was, and preview the challenge of building their own chain-reaction machine.

  2. 2

    Learn Simple Machines

    Simple Machines Bootcamp · 80 min

    Students explore all six simple machines — inclined plane, wheel and axle, lever, pulley, screw, and wedge — and learn how each one can help them build a Rube Goldberg machine in Qweebi.

    Screenshot of a Qweebi challenge teaching the six simple machines used to build a Rube Goldberg machine
  3. 3

    Design Your Rube Goldberg Machine

    Final EDP Challenge · 40 min

    Students use the Engineering Design Process to plan and build their first Rube Goldberg machine prototype that can feed a pet.

    Screenshot of the Rube Goldberg machine builder interface in Qweebi's online Makerspace
  4. 4

    Improve and Share Your Invention

    Reflection · 40 min

    Students refine their Rube Goldberg machines, then create and submit a show-and-tell video where they showcase their invention and explain the challenges they overcame.

    Screenshot of a student recording a show-and-tell video of their Rube Goldberg machine in Qweebi

What Teacher Resources Are Included

Everything you need to prep, launch, and run the Rube Goldberg Machine I project with confidence.

  • Teacher Slides

    Ready-to-present Google Slides with built-in speaker notes.

  • Student Journals

    Google Docs journals where students record observations, explanations, and reflections.

  • Built-In Qweebi Challenges

    Interactive challenges build science intuition and prepare students for the final design challenge.

  • Step-by-Step Teacher Guide

    A clear guide walks you through how to launch and run your Qweebi project.

What Other Teachers Are Saying

See how 500+ teachers bring the Rube Goldberg Machine project to their classrooms.

  • The moment it clicks

    “When my students met the corkscrew, half of them laughed: ‘Why would THAT be a machine?’ Then they used one, and understood.”
    Photo of Liz Sisler, K–5 STEAM instructor in Urbandale, Iowa

    Liz Sisler

    K–5 STEAM Instructor

    Urbandale, Iowa

    Read the full storyfrom Liz Sisler

  • Kids compare notes

    “Rube Goldberg is where I hear kids bragging about tool count — “I used 27 tools” — comparing machines with each other at their tables.”
    Photo of Claire Boulware, K–5 technology teacher in Kuna, Idaho

    Claire Boulware

    K–5 Technology Teacher

    Kuna, Idaho

    Read the full storyfrom Claire Boulware

  • Student engagement

    “The teacher slides are amazing — so eye-catching and full of movement. My students absolutely loved the Rube Goldberg challenge. Every single one was engaged.”
    Photo of Amber Davies, K–6 STEM teacher in Hartington, Nebraska

    Amber Davies

    K–6 STEM Teacher

    Hartington, Nebraska

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I try the Rube Goldberg Machine I project for free?
Yes. When you sign up for Qweebi, you can try 2 projects free, including the Rube Goldberg Machine I project, with unlimited classes and students.
What grade levels is this project best for?
Rube Goldberg Machine I is designed for grades 3–5. Students learn how simple machines work, then apply what they learned to design and improve their own chain-reaction machine.
How long does the project take?
The project takes about 2 hours and 50 minutes. Most teachers run it across four class periods, depending on their schedule.
Do I need any supplies or kits?
No. Students design, test, and improve their Rube Goldberg machines in Qweebi's online Makerspace, so there are no physical kits, materials, storage, or cleanup.
What devices does it work on?
Qweebi works on Chromebooks, Windows, and Mac computers with a web browser and internet connection. Nothing needs to be downloaded or installed.
Do I need a STEM background to teach this project?
No. The project includes ready-to-present teacher slides, student journals, built-in Qweebi challenges, and a step-by-step teacher guide to help you run it with confidence.

Ready to Run the Rube Goldberg Machine I Project With Your Students?

Try it free with your class — minimal prep, no supplies, and nothing to lose.

Try This Project FreeView All Projects