1. Coffeechug Engineering Contest
Based on Rube Goldberg Inventions
November 2010 VOL. #1 ISSUE 1
Earlier in the year, we had a fantastic Egg Drop Challenge
that we attempted for the first time. We had the students
create commercials, posted a voting poll online, recorded
our results, and tried to make it all interactive and on the
internet. The students did a fantastic job. We wanted to
continue with the success we had in accomplishing our
goals of students collaborating and working together to
complete a task. More importantly, we wanted them to
learn from their mistakes and figure out how to makes
things better and to not be afraid to try a new thought.
Our fourth graders wanted something similar. One day we
were brainstorming possible ideas and this whole idea
originated. I contacted Rube Goldberg company to ask for
permission to use a basic format similar to their high
school/college competition. A few emails and phone call
later, we were granted licensing waiver to use the basic
ideas and a potential opportunity for myself to work with
the company in the future to develop the competition na-
tionally using internet and the web tools.
We are going to be sampling some of my ideas out with
this project. Our two classes will be working online to
This is first annual Coffeechug Engineering Contest. collaborate and possibly another classroom from some-
After brainstorming a new project for our 4th and 5th where in the US. Even if we cannot find another class-
grade students we think we have designed a challenge room, students are going to have to work hard to make
that will push them to their limits. Before we get into their contraptions merge together to complete one task.
all the details, rules, format, etc., let us provide you a
quick history. How will all of this work? Read on to find out more.
Never tell people how to do things. Tell them what to do and
they will surprise you with their ingenuity.
~George Smith Patton

2. Objective and Goals
What are we trying to accomplish?
Objective: Students are going to be demon-
strating their knowledge and inquiry skills
throughout this entire process of developing a
machine to achieve a simple task.
Students will be asked to demonstrate their
knowledge of simple machines to design and
construct a complex machine. They will also
use their knowledge of potential and kinetic
energy, Newton's 3 Laws, acceleration, speed,
velocity, momentum, and gravity and how they
are related to your machine or helping your
machine to operate.
Your own imagination and creativity are all
you need to build a super Rube Goldberg ma-
chine. Keep the light bulb shining even in times of darkness
—Mr. Maurer
Purpose: To demonstrate scientific skills,
creativity, teamwork, and have a
Noam Chomsky
funtastic time by merging all contrap-
Discovery is the ability
tions together to press the spacebar on a
to be puzzled by simple
computer to demonstrate our success.

3. Contraption Requirements
Continued
The machine must not imply profane, indecent or
lewd expressions.
Any loose or flying objects must remain within the
set boundaries of the machine.
This includes, but is not limited to, drops of water,
Contraption Requirements
slivers of balloon, and other “small” objects.
Steam and other gasses are exempt from this rule.
The machine must complete the task as described
No flames may be used on or within the machine.
in the challenge.
Machines must be safe and not harm team mem-
The machine must be no larger than 2 ft. x 2 ft. in
bers, the audience, or equipment outside the
length and width. Height currently has no limits.
bounds of the machines. No hazardous materials,
The machine must have a minimum of five steps.
explosives, or flames may be used on or within the
There is no maximum number of steps.
machine.
The machine must include at least 3 different
One power cord is allowed.
types of simple machines
Remember, in the end we need to sync up all ma-
The machine must run for no more than two (2)
chines to have one monster contraption. Seeking
minutes per run.
input from other teams members will be critical in
Teams will have three (3) minutes before the first
order to ensure success
run to explain their machine.
All responsibility for copyright permission rests
with the team.
No animals may be used in the machine.
Michael Vance
Innovation is the creation of the new or the re-arranging of the old in
a new way.

4. Contraption Job Duties
There is also going to be jobs/duties for students to
work on outside of class. These are going to be little
jobs that will have them dig a little bit deeper into cer-
tain aspects of this project. All this information will be
compiled on the wiki.
Timeline of Events
When we finish students will be asked to do a report on
their findings and discoveries.
Day 1 and 2: These days will be spent introducing
Written Report
the project, discussing simple machines, and
Each group member needs to submit their own
begin to brainstorm ideas for contraption.
final design report that includes:
Day 3, 4, 5, 6: These four days are for the building
Written Report
stages. Students will begin to build their contrap-
Introduce your apparatus
tions, test them out, and begin to work on sync-
Explain what makes your machine so cool
ing their contraptions up with the other teams.
Explain the materials used for the machine
Day 7: One day will be devoted to setting all con-
Explain operational steps
traptions up and doing a run through to make
Explain problem encountered along the way and
sure everything is a go.
resolution use to solve them.
Day 8: The final test. Parents, family, friends will
Personal reflection
be invited to watch the spectacle of all their hard
What did you contribute?
work.
What did you like best?
Day 9: Reflection and write up of the project. (see
What did you learn from this project?
next column)
What could be improved?
Michael Vance
Innovation is the creation of the new or the re-arranging of the old in
a new way.

5. MONTH YEAR
www.coffeechugcontraptions.wikispaces.com
The website above will be where we will document our journey. This is the first year
for this project. Every time we have a chance to record, snap photos, and write up ob-
servations we will add them to the wiki.
VOL. # ISSUE #
Aaron Maurer
Carol Gronlund Phone: 563-359-3686
E-mail:
Mr. Maurer:
Bettendorf Middle School amaurer@bettendorf.k12.ia.us OR
2030 Middle Road aarmau@gmail.com
Bettendorf, IA 52722
Mrs. Gronlund:
cgronlund@bettendorf.k12.ia.us