Dalton News

4th Graders Construct Rube Goldberg Machines to Explore Energy and Simple Machines

Fourth graders started the school year with an Assignment all about energy! Through numerous hands-on inquiries, students explored the differences between the two major forms of energy: potential and kinetic energy. The students also learned about the types of energy categorized under each major form and investigated energy transformations and transfers.
As a part of the Simple Machines Assignment, students explored the six simple machines: lever, pulley, inclined plane, wheel and axle, wedge, and screw. The culminating task for the Simple Machine Assignment was for students to build a Rube Goldberg Device, applying their understanding of energy transfers and transformations. 

In addition, students practiced critical engineering skills, emphasizing the necessity of multiple design iterations (embracing failure!), effective team communication, flexible and creative thinking, and perseverance throughout the building phase of the project.
 
Plenty of fun abounded in all of their inquiries, as evidenced by these photos and videos. A huge thanks to the many Dalton community members who provided recyclable materials for this project. 

Next up for our 4th Grade scientists are inquiries into minerals and rocks, which we just kicked off with an exciting scavenger hunt at the American Museum of Natural History!

Submitted by 4th Grade Science Teachers: Jake Henin and Alicia Reid

Rube Goldberg Presentations

Group 1 | Group 2 | Group 3 | Group 4
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