Rube Goldberg Project Rubric

Students:

VIDEOGroup: FINAL

CATEGOR
Y
Presentat
ion

Creativity

Group: FINAL

Function

Written
Plan

9-10

7-8

Clearly and thoroughly

Each step is
explains steps verbally,
explained clearly and
and each required
thoroughly either
element is also identified
verbally or in writing
in writing. The narrator
as the narrator
walks the viewer
walks the viewer
through the machine,
through the machine.
showing each component
Each component is
clearly and indicating
shown clearly so that
what type of machine is
the viewer has a
employed and what kind
thorough
of energy transformation
understanding of how
is involved (if applicable).
the machine works.
There is one complete,
There is one
uncut sequence showing
complete, uncut
the machine running from
sequence showing
start to finish. Other cuts
the machine running
showing specific portions
from start to finish.
of the machine at work
are included as necessary
to provide the viewer with
an appreciation of all the
workings of the machine.
The RGM accomplishes a useful task. Certain
elements are surprising, delightful, complicated, or
particularly clever. A succession of objects move
through the machine, so that the item that is set
into motion at the beginning is not the one that
completes the journey. The workings are
captivating, causing the viewer to want to see it
again. Background music or other editorial
additions enhance the viewing experience. Video
includes outtakes of previous unsuccessful
attempts (bloopers).
Once the machine is set
Once the machine is
into motion, the machine
set into motion, the
requires no intervention
machine requires no
to complete its task.
intervention to
Structure functions well,
complete its task.
holding up under typical
Structure functions
stresses. Task is
well, holding up
completed successfully.
under typical
Viewer is left with the
stresses. Task is
impression that the
completed
machine has a high
successfully but
probability of
viewer is left with the
accomplishing its task
impression that the
repeatedly.
machines success is
a matter of luck.
Plan is exceptionally neat
Plan is reasonably
with labeling for all
neat and easy to
elements. Steps are
read. All steps are
numbered. Each step has
numbered and
an explanation that
indicate the type of
clearly describes what is
simple machine
happening and indicates
employed in that
the kind of simple
element.
machine employed in the
2 different kinds of
element.
energy conversions
3 or more different kinds
are correctly
of energy conversions are
identified.
correctly identified.
Final plan is
Final plan is submitted in
submitted in hard
hard AND digital copy.
AND digital copy.

5-6

0-4

Some explanations
lack detail or some
components are
hard to see, so that
the viewer does not
fully understand
how some parts of
the machine
function. The video
shows all of the
machines parts
functioning
successfully, but the
final run sequence
is comprised of
several cuts.

Explanations
are missing,
video shows
only the
machine at
work.

The machines task is unclear, or

machine doesnt perform a useful
task. The viewer cant clearly see
the parts functioning and has little
appreciation of how the machine
works. Audio is hard to understand.
Little effort was undertaken to
enhance the viewing experience.
Task is not
completed
successfully OR
Machine requires
human intervention
to run a full course
BUT actual machine
does match the final
plan.

Task is not
completed
successfully
AND
Machine
requires
human
intervention
to run a full
course
OR actual
machine
does not
match the
final plan.
Plan is messy/hard to read,
Steps are not numbered,
some simple machines are
misidentified,
the identified energy
transformations are of the same
kind (e.g., there only GPE to KE
transformations identified) ,
energy transformations are
misidentified
Plan is submitted only in digital
copy

Score

________/1
0
(x2 for
final
score)

________/1
0

________/1
0

________/1
0
(x2 for
final
score)

WRITTEN PLAN

Required
elements

Machine includes one of

each of the following:
Levers types I, II , III
Wheel and Axle Ramp
Pulley
Wedge Screw
Thermodynamic element
Vibrations or Waves
element
15 elements or more in
total

Machine includes all

required elements
except wedge and
screw
Or, all elements are
present but some do
not function as
machines,
Or, one lever type is
missing due to
misidentification
10 14 elements in
total

Is missing three or
more of the required
elements due to
misidentification,
omission, or nonfunctionality but
machine has at least
12 functioning
simple machines

Includes
fewer than
10 elements
________/1
0

Required
elements

Categor
y

Deducti Deadline Meeting

ons
ionsRefect
s

Group: PROTOTYPE PLAN

Individual: Journal

CATEGOR
Y
Blueprint
/ Plan

Plan is neat and

legible. All steps are
numbered. An
explanation of each
step is included that
indicates what
happens there and
what kind of simple
machine is
employed in the
element.
Machine includes
Levers types I, II , III
Ramp, Screw,
Pulley,
Wheel and Axle,
Wedge,
Thermodynamic
element,
Waves element
15 or more
elements in total
3 different kinds of
energy conversions
are correctly
identified

9-10

2-0

Score

Plan is messy and hard to

read. Steps are not
numbered, explanation
only indicates the type of
machine employed.

Machine
includes
Levers types I,
II , III
Ramp, Pulley,
Wheel and
Axle,
Thermodynamic
element,
Waves element

_______/5

Is missing 3 or more of the

required elements,
fewer than 10 elements
are included

_______/5

Energy transformations of
the same type are
identified

10-14 elements
in total
2 different
kinds of energy
transformations
are identified

7-8

5-6

0-4

Score

Score is based on the accumulated grade you earned throughout the project for meeting
deadlines.

_______/10

Personal entries
thoroughly document
the evolution of the
machine with photos
and/or videos as well
as comments.

Personal entries
documenting
the evolution of
the machine
mostly with
comments but
there are

Personal
entries do not
document the
evolution of
the machine
well, either
lacking in

Entries lack detail and

thoughtfulness AND are
lacking photo
documentation.
Peer Review reflections are
missing or cursory

Was the project finished on time? Late penalty: 10% per day!
Did the group share responsibilities evenly?