Students in teacher Samantha Kubik's 6th grade science class at Elston Middle School demonstrated their knowledge of simple machines and potential/kinetic energy this month by creating "Rube Goldberg" machines.
The devices involved at least 6 steps and incorporated 3 simple machines. They performed a variety of tasks, such as stapling papers together, popping a balloon, turning off lights, filling a cup with water, feeding a fish, dropping paper into a recycling bin, and ringing a bell.
Any materials or processes could be used -- with the exception of open flame.