What is a Rube Goldberg machine? 

In November 1981 Stephen Silver, JTA wrote an article on an exhibition of Goldberg’s works.  He said, “At the name “Rube Goldberg,” one concept instantly comes to mind: fun machines that complete simple tasks in overly complicated, humorous ways. Think a ball rolling down a long ramp that hits a series of dominoes, which hits something else, so on and so on.”

Today, in 2020 the ideas launched by Goldberg very much alive.  Red River High is offering students to get into the act with a Rube Goldberg Physics Challenge.

Here is the school instruction to students:  We are happy to share this amazing opportunity that has been made available to our 9th and 10th grade students! 

Southeastern is currently offering the following interactive opportunity for the current Stay At Home period ordered by the Governor. Their goal is to coordinate with schools to compliment the schools’ student learning goals and routine for the remainder of the Governor’s Stay at Home order. 

1. a) Rube Goldberg Machine Physics Challenge – Join Dr. Troy Williams of Southeastern Louisiana University to compete against your peers from across the state in the 2020 Southeastern STILE Rube Goldberg Machine Contest. Explore the world of physics and create a contraption from your own home with guidance from Southeastern Louisiana University faculty and staff!
2. b) Sign up today for the introduction webinar happening this Friday, April 10th at 11:00 am! Those that participate in the webinar will be given preference to the limited slots available.
3. c) Students will register to participate, attend an informational webinar, and have access to our faculty and staff for questions and guidance during the process. Students will submit one video of their initial design, and one for their final product!
   d) Information on registration, the introduction webinar meeting, and participating schools and grade levels can be found on the school’s social media page.