STEM Minute | Engineering a one-of-a-kind Rube Goldberg Device

OREANA, Ill. (WAND) — 5th graders at Argenta Oreana Elementary School are working together to solve problems and build a unique version of a Rube Goldberg device. The goal is to build a machine that is able to close a book.

The student creations will go head-to-head against machines from other area schools.

5th grade teacher Lorilynn Pumphrey told WAND News, "What makes this project unique is that students are required to think critically and deeply."

The students are using recycled and everyday materials to build their devices; while letting their imaginations run wild so they can make a device unlike any of the others at the competition. A couple of the most important skills that the students are learning include problem solving and teamwork.

"My fifth graders are currently working on a Rube Goldberg project which consists of a lot of complicated tasks or step to complete one simple task. We are currently working on the task of opening a book with 10 potential steps."

The students are treating the process as a way to have fun with their friends in the classroom while learning new skills.

5th grade student, Gavin Briggs, said, "I've got to help with ideas and build and I'm also helping decorate."

One avenue that the students explored was the possibility of including braille on their device. They were able to do research on many different things to possibly include as a decoration on the device and after using their STEM skills to make the machine work, they worked together to write an essay about the device and the process of building it.

"STEM education is very crucial as it allows students to work with others while promoting critical thinking and problem solving it also allows for innovation thinking and getting them to be creative to solve a problem."

The process of building the machine and coming together to make it function properly has left its mark on students and many of them can't wait for the opportunity to compete again.