Shoebox Pinball Machine: A STEAM Challenge
Inquiry Framework
Question Framework
Driving Question
The overarching question that guides the entire project.How can we design and build a shoebox pinball machine that demonstrates our understanding of energy, motion, and simple machines?Essential Questions
Supporting questions that break down major concepts.- How can simple machines be incorporated into a pinball machine design to maximize scoring opportunities?
- What is the relationship between potential and kinetic energy in the operation of a pinball machine?
- How do angles of reflection and incidence affect the trajectory of the pinball?
Standards & Learning Goals
Learning Goals
By the end of this project, students will be able to:- Apply scientific principles of energy, motion, and simple machines to design and build a functional pinball machine.
- Use the engineering design process to prototype, test, and refine the pinball machine.
- Analyze and optimize the pinball machine design to maximize scoring opportunities and playability.
- Communicate the scientific and engineering principles behind the pinball machine design.
- Explore the relationship between potential and kinetic energy in the pinball machine.
- Investigate angles of reflection and incidence and their effect on the pinball's trajectory.
- Incorporate simple machines into the pinball machine to enhance scoring.
- Maximize scoring opportunities by optimizing design elements and trajectory angles.
- Develop problem-solving skills through troubleshooting and refining the pinball machine design.
- Enhance collaboration and teamwork skills through shared design and construction efforts.
- Reflect on the design process and identify areas for improvement in future projects.
- Apply mathematical concepts to calculate angles, distances, and forces involved in the pinball machine's operation.
- Connect the project to real-world applications of physics, engineering, and design principles.
- Use different types of simple machines in the shoebox pinball machine.
- Use knowledge of motion and energy to design a functional shoebox pinball machine.
- Use the engineering design process to prototype the pinball machine.
- Test and refine the pinball machine design.
- Reflect on the design process.
- Connect the project to real-world applications of physics and engineering.
- Apply mathematical concepts to calculate angles, distances, and forces involved in the pinball machine's operation.
- Create a visually appealing shoebox pinball machine.
- Apply safe tool-handling procedures during construction.
- Use recycled materials in the construction of the shoebox pinball machine.
- Design a shoebox pinball machine.
- Build a shoebox pinball machine.
- Communicate the science behind the shoebox pinball machine.
- Incorporate energy, motion, and simple machines into the shoebox pinball machine.
- Incorporate simple machines into the pinball machine design to maximize scoring opportunities.
- Analyze the relationship between potential and kinetic energy in the operation of a pinball machine.
- Analyze how angles of reflection and incidence affect the trajectory of the pinball.
- Explain how simple machines are incorporated into the pinball machine to maximize scoring opportunities.
- Explain the relationship between potential and kinetic energy in the operation of a pinball machine.
- Explain how angles of reflection and incidence affect the trajectory of the pinball.
- Troubleshoot problems during the building process.
- Use effective communication skills to work in a group.
- Learn to use different tools properly.
- Use different materials to create the shoebox pinball machine.
- Make modifications to the design if needed.
- Measure angles in the shoebox pinball machine.
- Apply mathematical concepts to calculate angles and distances.
- Use recycled materials to make the shoebox pinball machine.
- Learn about energy, motion, and simple machines.
- Learn about the engineering design process.
- Learn how to use tools safely.
- Learn how to create a budget for a project.
- Learn how to create a parts list for a project.
- Learn how to manage a project.
- Learn how to work in a group.
- Learn how to communicate effectively.
- Learn how to troubleshoot problems.
- Learn how to make modifications to a design.
- Learn how to measure angles.
- Learn how to apply mathematical concepts to calculate angles and distances.
- Learn how to use recycled materials.
- Use physics, engineering, and design principles to make a shoebox pinball machine.
- Present information clearly and concisely.
- Be prepared to present the shoebox pinball machine.
- Use technology to present the shoebox pinball machine.
Entry Events
Events that will be used to introduce the project to studentsThe Rube Goldberg Challenge
A video showcasing incredible Rube Goldberg machines and pinball contraptions is shown. The video ends with a challenge: Can you design a pinball machine that incorporates at least three simple machines to maximize scoring? This inspires students to think creatively about engineering principles.Portfolio Activities
Portfolio Activities
These activities progressively build towards your learning goals, with each submission contributing to the student's final portfolio.Prototype and Refinement
Students will build a prototype of their pinball machine using the blueprint as a guide. They will test the machine, identify areas for improvement, and make modifications to the design. They will keep a record of all changes made and the reasons for those changes.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA functional shoebox pinball machine prototype and an Engineering Design Log documenting the testing and refinement process.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsApplies the learning goal: Analyze and optimize the pinball machine design to maximize scoring opportunities and playability. Addresses the standard: STEAM.Rubric & Reflection
Portfolio Rubric
Grading criteria for assessing the overall project portfolioShoebox Pinball Machine: Prototype and Refinement Rubric
Design, Testing, and Refinement
Focuses on the student's ability to prototype, test, refine, and document the pinball machine design, emphasizing iterative improvement and reflective practice.Blueprint Accuracy
Accuracy and completeness of the pinball machine prototype based on the initial blueprint and design.
Exemplary
4 PointsThe pinball machine prototype closely adheres to the initial blueprint, demonstrating a clear understanding of the design specifications. All components are accurately placed and functional, resulting in a reliable and effective machine.
Proficient
3 PointsThe pinball machine prototype generally follows the initial blueprint, with minor deviations or omissions. Most components are accurately placed and functional, resulting in a mostly reliable and effective machine.
Developing
2 PointsThe pinball machine prototype loosely resembles the initial blueprint, with several deviations or omissions. Some components are inaccurately placed or non-functional, resulting in a machine with limited reliability and effectiveness.
Beginning
1 PointsThe pinball machine prototype bears little resemblance to the initial blueprint, with significant deviations or omissions. Many components are inaccurately placed or non-functional, resulting in a largely unreliable and ineffective machine.
Areas for Improvement
Systematic and thorough identification of areas for improvement in the pinball machine's design and functionality through testing and observation.
Exemplary
4 PointsSystematically and thoroughly identifies areas for improvement in the pinball machine's design and functionality, providing detailed observations and insights into potential optimizations. Demonstrates a deep understanding of the machine's strengths and weaknesses.
Proficient
3 PointsIdentifies most areas for improvement in the pinball machine's design and functionality, providing clear observations and insights into potential optimizations. Demonstrates a good understanding of the machine's strengths and weaknesses.
Developing
2 PointsIdentifies some areas for improvement in the pinball machine's design and functionality, providing basic observations and insights into potential optimizations. Demonstrates a partial understanding of the machine's strengths and weaknesses.
Beginning
1 PointsStruggles to identify areas for improvement in the pinball machine's design and functionality, providing limited or unclear observations and insights into potential optimizations. Demonstrates a limited understanding of the machine's strengths and weaknesses.
Design Modifications
Effectiveness and creativity of modifications made to the pinball machine design to address identified areas for improvement.
Exemplary
4 PointsImplements highly effective and creative modifications to the pinball machine design, resulting in significant improvements to its functionality, playability, and scoring potential. Demonstrates a sophisticated understanding of engineering principles and design optimization.
Proficient
3 PointsImplements effective and creative modifications to the pinball machine design, resulting in noticeable improvements to its functionality, playability, and scoring potential. Demonstrates a strong understanding of engineering principles and design optimization.
Developing
2 PointsImplements some modifications to the pinball machine design, resulting in minor improvements to its functionality, playability, or scoring potential. Demonstrates a basic understanding of engineering principles and design optimization.
Beginning
1 PointsImplements few or ineffective modifications to the pinball machine design, resulting in little or no improvement to its functionality, playability, or scoring potential. Demonstrates a limited understanding of engineering principles and design optimization.
Engineering Design Log
Detailed and organized record of all changes made to the pinball machine design, including clear explanations of the reasons for each modification.
Exemplary
4 PointsMaintains a meticulous and comprehensive Engineering Design Log that documents all changes made to the pinball machine design, providing clear and insightful explanations of the rationale behind each modification. Demonstrates a strong commitment to reflective practice and iterative design.
Proficient
3 PointsMaintains a thorough Engineering Design Log that documents most changes made to the pinball machine design, providing clear explanations of the rationale behind each modification. Demonstrates a good understanding of reflective practice and iterative design.
Developing
2 PointsMaintains a partial Engineering Design Log that documents some changes made to the pinball machine design, providing basic explanations of the rationale behind some modifications. Demonstrates a limited understanding of reflective practice and iterative design.
Beginning
1 PointsMaintains an incomplete or disorganized Engineering Design Log that documents few changes made to the pinball machine design, providing unclear or missing explanations of the rationale behind modifications. Demonstrates a weak understanding of reflective practice and iterative design.