The Big Build

NASEF 2023 Digital Rube Goldberg Machine Minecraft Contest

Criteria/Look-fors

What are we looking for in your Big Build?

First Impression

Wow! What a machine!

• Does it look interesting right from the start?
• Is it eye-catching?
• Does it have a “wow-factor”?

Theme

How did you style your build?

• Does it have an overall look?
• Does the build use costumes, sounds, or props?
• Does the theme match the task?
• Theme should be obvious from the moment you approach the build

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Presentation

A great RGM tells a story!

• The story is introduced through an entertaining verbal presentation.
• Note:this should not be a step by step explanation of how the triggers work.
• Show your team personality, humor, and an engaging narrative
• Does the video/verbal presentation create excitement about your machine?

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Creative use

of items

How will your build use blocks and inventory items in unique and creative ways?

• Do they go beyond their intended use?
• e.g.- using a tripwire hook as a faucet
• Are they used to stylize the build?
• e.g.- using wool to create pixel art

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Unique chain

reactions

Unique and/or slow triggers of events

Anticipation is a key component of an RGM.

• How does each event lead to the next?
• Is there a variety of methods leading to each new event in the machine?
• Do the triggers cause suspense for the next step?

Humor

https://flipgrid.com/s/FcUp4LfNZQ9Urxej

• Does it make us smile?!
• Does it make us LOL?!
• Is it witty and clever?
• Did you inject comedy into the narrative?

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Surprise

Is there an unexpected twist, or an element of surprise in your machine?

• What will you reveal to the audience?
• How will you startle or delight your viewers?

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Construction/

Artistry

This is where the rubber meets the road!

• How well is the machine designed around your elements?
• e.g. if a machine is set in a bathroom, a diner, a mountain or Mars how beautifully rendered is its environment and how well are the items integrated into the landscape?

Teamwork

May be the hardest aspect of building an RGM.

• How well did you and your teammates work together?
• Were you respectful of each other, were you all engaged, did you communicate well?

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Best Use of �Minecraft Elements

How did you use Minecraft elements throughout your machine?

• Did you use a variety of items?
• Did you integrate the items well?
• Rube Goldberg Big Build Guide

Build a Lunch

The Basics

4 simple machines, any combination

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10 Transitions or transfers of energy

End by solving simple problem- Build a Lunch

1 minute minimum - 5 minute max

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Specifications

PRIZES!�

1st Place Junior Division | Senior Division | @Home Division

• Each Team will receive:
• (1) Team admission for 2023 Rube Goldberg Machine Contest
• Individual official 2023 Digital Rube Goldberg Machine Minecraft Contest certificates
• Showcased on the NASEF website and social media
• $200 Amazon gift card

2nd Place Junior Division | Senior Division | @Home Division

• Each Team will receive:
• Individual official 2023 Digital Rube Goldberg Machine Minecraft Contest certificates
• Showcased on the NASEF website and social media
• $150 Amazon gift card

3rd Place

Junior Division | Senior Division | @Home Division

• Each Team will receive:
• Individual official 2023 Digital Rube Goldberg Machine Minecraft Contest certificates
• Showcased on the NASEF website and social media
• $100 Amazon gift card

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Deadlines

• Registration closes: �Thursday, March 2, 2023

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• Final submission: �Tuesday, March 21, 2022 �@ 5:00pm PDT | 8:00pm EDT | 11:59pm GMT (UTC)

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Simple Machines

Rube Goldberg Machines are full of them!

What is a simple machine?

• Simple machine, any of several devices with few or no moving parts that are used to modify motion and force in order to perform work. The simple machines are the inclined plane, lever, wedge, wheel and axle, pulley, and screw.

Inclined planes are used to help move heavy objects up a certain height

What is an inclined plane?

• Inclined plane: a simple machine that is used to spread out the force needed to move an object
• By moving in small, gradual steps instead of all at once, it becomes easier to move objects up a certain height

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Levers are used to help lift heavy objects

What is a lever?

• Lever: a simple machine that is used to change the direction of force needed to move an object over a fulcrum (pivot point)
• The different kinds of levers depend on where the fulcrum is located

Pulleys are used to help lift heavy objects

What is a pulley?

• Pulley: a simple machine that is used to change the direction you have to apply force to move an object
• The more pulley’s you put together, the easier it becomes to move

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Screws are used to hold things together or to help lift heavy objects

What is a screw?

• Screw: a simple machine that is used to change circular motion into linear motion
• As a screw twists, it is drawn forward

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A wedge is a device that is thick at one end and tapers to a thin edge at the other end. �It might be helpful to think of a wedge, like the one shown below, as an inclined plane (or sometimes two inclined planes back to back) that can move.

Wheel and axles are used to help move heavy objects more easily

What is a wheel and axle?

• Wheel and axle: a simple machine that is used to change circular motion into forward motion
• A wheel reduces the friction between an object and a surface, making it much easier to move

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