Rube Goldberg Contest - Summer 2024

Your challenge, if you choose to accept it, is to build a machine that TURNS A PAGE IN A BOOK!

There will be at least one PRIZE of a $25 gift card to The Thinking Spot awarded to the winning team. Depending on the number of signups, additional prizes will be awarded.

RULES : 

1. Contestants are allowed to work in teams of up to 3 people. You may work with anyone of any AGE as long as you declare it upfront.
2. Your machine needs to fit and be able to function in our event space.
3. You need to be able to set up your machine for the contest in under 5 minutes.  
4. The machine should complete its task within 10 minutes. 
5. The machine does not have to automatically reset itself. 
6.  No humans may touch your machine after you have started its motion. (It is expected that you will touch it for it to begin working.) 
7.  NO explosives, fire, CO2 cartridges, smoke, knives, razor blades, dangerous flying objects, or dangerous/toxic chemicals are allowed. When in doubt, ask before building.  
8.  You may not use anything that plugs into a wall outlet. 
9.  Battery power adding up to less than 9 Volts is all that is allowed. No car, motorcycle or lawn mower batteries are allowed.  
10.  Your machine may not incorporate any living animals, e.g. hamsters, guinea pigs, domesticated goldfish, feral goldfish, baby elephants, etc.  
11.  Your machine may not damage any books or merchandise in store!
12.  No commercial products are allowed.
13. Points awarded are based upon: 

• Number of steps 
• Number of times you give the machine help - this deducts points. 
• Machine’s Design Creativity 

Bonus Points: 

• Most number of steps. 
• Using all recycled material.
• Impressing the judges with your sense of humor
• Team that seems to have had the most fun

* Not affiliated with any official "Rube Goldberg" contests.