In our Unchained Reactions class, junior high students get to combine their creativity with hands-on problem-solving as they design and build Rube Goldberg machines. A Rube Goldberg Machine is “a comically involved, complicated invention, laboriously contrived to perform a simple operation.” These intricate machines make physics and engineering even more engaging, transforming concepts into a playful and imaginative experience.

The projects in Unchained Reactions are a journey through trial and error, teamwork, and innovation. Our students have been energetically bringing their visions to life using a variety of everyday objects. The results? A chain of moving parts where marbles, levers, pulleys, and dominoes all come together to complete the task in the most intricate way possible.

Our classroom has been transformed into a bustling workshop, with student projects displayed all around the room. Ping pong/marble runs zigzag across the walls, car tracks wind through domino runs, pulley systems line the walls, and a ramp stretches from one end of the ceiling, over the fan, to the other side. Each design showcases the creativity and problem-solving skills of every student. These projects are not only fun to watch, but they also teach important lessons in physics—demonstrating concepts like gravity, energy transfer, and momentum in real time.

One student designed a machine that integrates inclined planes, dominoes, multiple pulley systems, and car tracks. This intricate setup required the student to carefully consider each step and do quite a lot of experimentation. Another student crafted a vertical ping pong ball run that begins just below the ceiling and descends to its endpoint near the floor. Other students are doing research, experimenting with different materials, and meticulously planning their designs.

One of my favorite parts of this class is seeing students' faces light up when they get their machines to work. The sense of accomplishment and pride they feel after overcoming challenges is a key part of the learning process. While it’s tempting to step in and help, I encourage students to solve problems on their own or with their peers, fostering independence and collaboration.

In Unchained Reactions, students are not only learning the principles of physics and engineering but also important life skills like patience, teamwork, and resilience. This class provides a safe space for students to experiment, make mistakes, and try again—all while having fun.

It’s been a joy to guide my students through this creative process, and I look forward to seeing more of their elaborate and imaginative machines in the weeks to come. Unchained Reactions continues to be a place where creativity, engineering, and fun collide!

~Kailah Santana