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This week was all about testing. We challenged the kids to build chain reaction structures - so called Rube-Goldberg machines. A pendulum swings into a ball, which rolls down a slope, which tips a domino train down, which hits a roll of tape, which sends a toy car off the edge of the table, which lands onto a …well you get the idea. There are an infinite range of design possibilities. This class provides a great opportunity to test them.

If we're lucky they work first time. But more likely the design needs a bit of tweaking.

This chute was made out of paper plates curled into scoops with duct tape. Their placement in a zig-zag down the wall is interesting but creates some challenges around reproducibility.

These cascading shelves work well and there's an alternative back-up route just in case the ball shoots the wrong way. 

Liked this winch design used to start the chain reaction machine.

This design uses multiple levels from table to floor.

Maybe these wheels and axles can be used to roll along this channel.

Traditional domino chains are good to turn the path around a corner.

 Lots of teamwork was in evidence for this class. Testing a chain reaction machine -which auto-triggers with a tiny vibration- requires patience and cooperation.

These workshops are made possible  by the Toronto Arts Council.

Chain Reaction

This week was all about testing. We challenged the kids to build chain reaction structures - so called Rube-Goldberg machines. A pendulum swings into a ball, which rolls down a slope, which tips a domino train down, which hits a roll of tape, which sends a toy car off the edge of the table, which lands onto a …well you get the idea. There are an infinite range of design possibilities. This class provides a great opportunity to test them.

If we're lucky they work first time. But more likely the design needs a bit of tweaking.

This starter tube needs to on a slope so the marble will have enough momentum to move down the wood steps.

That works. 

Wonder if the dominoes will cascade up these steps?

Maybe the tape roll needs to be a little bit closer to the next ball?

Is this the best spacing and orientation for the dominoes?

Try again…

Multiple transfer points here. Risky, as there are more chances of error too. But also much more entertaining if it works!

I've got to get this to collapse on top of the domino. 

Nice lever idea. Time for some testing….let's see if the force will be big enough?

 Lots of teamwork was in evidence for this class. Testing a chain reaction machine -which auto-triggers with a tiny vibration- requires patience and cooperation. 

There are lots of examples of Rube Goldberg contraptions on the internet. My favourite: kinetic artist, Joseph Herscher and his page turning machine!       

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