8th Grade Science Sparks Creativity with Rube Goldberg Sound Symphony!

Mount Olive Middle School 8th Grade Science Students Showcase Innovative Learning with Rube Goldberg Machines

April 16th, 2024

Mount Olive Middle School's 8th-grade science classes are abuzz with excitement as students showcase their ingenuity through the creation of Rube Goldberg machines. This innovative project, spearheaded by the collaborative efforts of the 8th-grade science teaching team, aims to challenge students to apply their knowledge of various scientific principles in a hands-on, creative manner.

Led by teachers Emily Anne Ponomarev, Rachel Scimeca, Katelin Riggs, Caitlyn Schilling, Becky Neidhardt, Pam Wilson, and Michael Thompson, the project kicked off six weeks ago, setting the stage for an engaging exploration of physics concepts in action.

Rube Goldberg machines are whimsical contraptions designed to perform simple tasks through a series of complex, interconnected actions. This year, the 8th graders' mission was to engineer machines that produce a sound, demonstrating their understanding of scientific principles in a fun and practical way.

"While the end goal is to create a sound, the journey involves delving into fundamental scientific concepts," explains Katelin Riggs, one of the lead teachers involved in the project. "Throughout the process, students have been exploring magnetism, potential energy, kinetic energy, elasticity, electricity, and even Newton's Third Law."

The project's interdisciplinary approach goes beyond mere construction. In addition to building their Rube Goldberg machines, students have engaged in a series of laboratory experiments and demonstrations, further reinforcing their understanding of scientific principles. From exploring the magnetic properties of different materials to investigating the transfer of energy in elastic collisions, students have had the opportunity to apply classroom knowledge to real-world scenarios.

However, perhaps the most significant aspect of this project is the emphasis on collaboration. Students from white, red, and yellow teams intermingled and were divided into small groups, each tasked with designing and constructing their own Rube Goldberg machine. This collaborative environment has fostered teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills among the students.

"Working in teams has been a highlight for many students," remarks Rachel Scimeca, another member of the teaching team. "Not only are they learning from each other, but they're also discovering the value of cooperation and shared responsibility in achieving a common goal."

As the project nears its completion, anticipation is high for the grand unveiling of the Rube Goldberg machines. Teachers, and fellow students eagerly await the opportunity to witness the culmination of weeks of hard work, creativity, and scientific exploration.

Mount Olive Middle School's 8th-grade science students are not only building Rube Goldberg machines; they're building a foundation for lifelong learning and innovation.