Do you love inventing, tinkering and creating? So do we! The Great Maker Challenge was an opportunity for our students to use their imagination and critical thinking skills to create a Rube Goldberg inspired machine.

To get inspired, the students watched Audri’s Rube Goldberg Monster Trap Machine.

Teams of students were given a set of supplies and a task to begin.

All teams received the same set of supplies. And…yes, the cardboard box counted as a supply!

To begin, students designed their machines. The teams created drawings and blueprints to guide them. The goal was to build a machine that would pop a balloon. Simple, right?

Next, the fun began as students made their ideas come to life. They constructed, adjusted and troubleshooted any problems that arose.

The students had the opportunity to show off their machines to real life engineers. Terrence Kelley and Jeramy Hayes took the time to visit with every team and offer their advice.

After all the construction, the moment of truth came. Would their machines work?

“Failure is not an option.”  Apollo 13

We even had a home entry from our friends the Curry Family!

Thanks to all our wonderful teams who spent their lunch time imagining, creating, solving problems, tinkering, and exploring their capabilities! The teams will have the opportunity to show off their machines at the Global Maker Day virtual event on May 17th.