Project Description: In this Rube-Goldberg inspired project, a pair of students had to create a chain reaction only using materials we could find in our classroom. The requirements were that it had to include a magnet, a ball bearing, a marble, a lever, and at least ten "transitions". Each transition meant that the energy was transferred from one object into another, only excluding the "domino effect". Along with the actual chain reaction we learned about different types of levers and energy and simple machines.
Sketch of Final Chain Reaction:
Descriptions Table
Reflections:
Self Reflection: I think that our biggest problem was staying focused. When we were actually working and were focused, we got a lot of great work done and had really interesting ideas. If I could do this project again I would make sure to stay away from my friends and stay focused. If I did this instead of getting distracted I think that I could have definitely gotten all ten transitions.
Communication: Communication was our second strongest point during this project. We both shared all of our ideas and made sure that both of our ideas were incorporated in the project. Whenever something went wrong we talked it through to see what was wrong and what we each needed to do to be able to fix it.
Cooperation: This was definitely our strongest area for this project. We separated the work and worked together when necessary which made it so when we were on task, we worked very well and got great things done. Although we were not able to achieve the required ten transitions, all the transitions we did complete were very original and were the result of focus and our great cooperation.
Efficiency: I would have to say that this was the weakest point for us during this project.We would often get stuck or frustrated during this project and instead of working through it, we would wander off to talk to our friends. Not only did this damage our final result, but it also caused the projects of the people we went to when we were distracted to suffer. Personally, I have always struggled with these types of mechanisms and I tended to get stuck a lot. This was the biggest thing that held us back from finishing the project. The time while you are stuck is crucial to the project and where a lot of the best ideas come from. Next project we do I will make sure to work through these moments of frustration so that I can create the best project possible.
Mindfulness: Some of the times we were the most focused was when we were right on the brink of solving an issue and just coming up with as many ways possible to fix the problem at hand so that we could get the result we wanted. The fact that we knew that we were so close to solving it even if it wasn’t quite there yet was very motivating. Another time we were motivated and focused was right after we got a transition to work. Seeing the chain reactions we created in motion and actually working always got us excited to do more and often gave us a vague idea of something we wanted to do next.
Perseverance: The times that were the most frustrating would have to be when we finally got something to work and all of a sudden it just stopped working. We knew that something had to have changed, but we had no idea what is was, where the problem was, or how to fix it. In the same way that getting the transition right was motivating, getting it wrong again was the exact opposite because it felt like a huge chunk of work was missing when chances are, something had just been nudged a little out of its place. Something that would help me when I felt frustrated or like I wanted to give up was Mr.Ted just giving us some quick ideas and helping us out. By seeing how fast he could come up with solutions it allowed my mind to refresh and see that if he came up with five ways to fix the issue in a minute, I could come up with at least one in some time.
Growth Mindset: I have always been one to shy away from engineering roles in projects and thought of myself as someone who simply wasn’t that good at building or engineering. During this project I really pushed myself to never say things like “I can’t do that” or “I’m just not good at this kind of thing”. Our final chain reaction was only 40% done but I think that in the end I am proud of how I did during this project. I was far too distracted, but when I did get to work I truly tried my best and didn’t tell myself what I could or couldn’t do.