I think that the Rube Goldberg style of learning is a fantastic style. It is a great way of showing that kids are capable of understanding concepts of physics, for example. They can show how if you step on a pair of scissors, it will cut a string that is attached to a pail of water which rushes down a slope and fills up a cup on a scale which tilts a stick that hits the switch on a toaster that cooks for three minutes and pops up with your breakfast. (I just made that up...) Though they may not necessarily be able to comprehend and acknowledge the terms and equations involved in their creations, they understand how feasible the actions of the machine are. I think, as it is said in the article, it is a great sign of intelligence!

 

I remember in my elementary school art class we would create creations like these. It was such a blast! It allowed me and my troublemaking friends to create contraptions that we might actually think were useful (and cool). I remember my friends and I tried to make a machine that would trip our teacher. Even though it had a violent intent, our teacher was impressed with our concepts and gave us praise for our efforts along with a stern warning that if she caught us trying to make it, she would be very mad. I would say that our Rube Goldberg lesson was one of the most exciting we did at school and I still remember it to this day. It will definitely find a place in the classrooms of my future. Thanks, Rube!!

 

Davis Haines

Syracuse University