University of Massachusetts Amherst

MakerSpace & Rube Goldberg Engineering

For Grades 4 - 5

Embark on a journey of innovation with MakerSpace Fun and Rube Goldberg® Machines!

Campers will unleash their creative potential and Maker-style thinking as they engineer imaginative machines that accomplish simple tasks in delightfully complex ways. They'll dive into the world of Rube Goldberg® machines, applying innovative thinking and physics principles to design as they construct fantastic contraptions.

Every week’s unique theme ensures new machine challenges, keeping kids' energy and creativity high.

Add sports, big camp games, and new friendships, and you have a recipe for a summer packed with excitement, discovery, and fun. It all culminates in a showcase where creativity and engineering skills shine brightly!

Friday Family Showcase: 2PM-3PM

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Camp Hours: 9AM-3PM
After Camp, M-TH: 3PM -6PM*

*Location Dependent. This option will appear after selecting a camp week if this location has it available.

$595.00

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Select Camp Week June 23 - 27 (5 days) July 14 - 18 (5 days)

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About MakerSpace & Rube Goldberg Engineering
This camp focuses on engineering and design principles through imaginative projects. Campers create Rube Goldberg machines, functional structures, and dynamic gadgets while learning about physics and engineering. Teamwork and creativity play a central role, helping campers develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Weekly themes ensure new adventures every session, making it a perfect camp to attend all summer!
Topics Covered
• Introduction to Rube Goldberg® Machines and simple machines.
• Storytelling through machine design.
• Maker-style thinking and team collaboration.
• Testing, debugging, and refining machine designs.

Learning Outcomes

Creative Engineering and Problem-Solving
Students will develop the ability to engineer imaginative machines that perform simple tasks in complex ways. They will apply innovative thinking and basic physics principles to design and construct whimsical, intricate Rube Goldberg machines, emphasizing creativity, mechanical understanding, and problem-solving skills.
Application of Physics Concepts in Practical Engineering
The course will enhance students' understanding of basic physics principles as they apply them to their machines. They will gain hands-on experience in how forces, motion, and simple machines work, fostering a more profound comprehension and appreciation of scientific principles.
Physical Development and Team Collaboration
Students will participate in various sports to develop physical coordination, fitness, and social skills like teamwork, communication, and sportsmanship. This holistic approach supports physical education and social-emotional learning, balancing technological skills with physical and cooperative play.

Sample Schedule

Here’s a sample of what a week in this course could look like. Keep in mind, our experienced instructors will build the camp that is right for your student, and this outline demonstrates some of the key materials and the overall camp experience.

Monday: Discovering Rube Goldberg Machines

Introduction to Rube Goldberg® machines with a video, simple machine design thinking, and brainstorming a machine to pop a balloon.

Tuesday: Building and Story Development

Explore ways machines work together, start building from the end machine backward, and begin narrative development.

Wednesday: Advanced Design and Teamwork

Gathering inspiration from studying awesome Rube Machines, students will dive into design thinking and problem-solving as they start the main build day.

Thursday: Integration and Refinement

Starting with a junk build challenge, students explore ways to link standalone and big machine builds together before testing and polishing the final machine and narrative presentation.

Friday: Unveiling the Rube Goldberg® Machine

Final machine testing and tweaking, decorating the machine, dress rehearsal for the narration alongside the machine operation will pull students through a final flurry of Rube Goldberg® fun.

Course Format

This course is part of a weeklong summer camp running Monday through Friday. Your child will learn in a small group setting on an inspiring university campus from an experienced instructor. An exciting daily schedule balances learning and exploration of this topic with a variety of outdoor and recreational activities within the larger camp setting. Lunch and aftercare options are available based on location.

Our Instructors Are Our Top Asset

At BAM!, our vision for innovative K-8 education extends beyond just curriculum; it encompasses the educators who bring that curriculum to life. Selecting & training our educators is a continuous and meticulous process, ensuring they are not just equipped with subject matter expertise but also the skills to inspire and connect with students on a personal level.

100% adult educators recruited from prestigious universities ( No CITs at BAM!)
Highly refined interview and background check process
Extensive training that goes well beyond curriculum & classroom management
Ongoing year-round opportunities to teach in our summer camp. After-school, and structured recess programs.

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MakerSpace & Rube Goldberg Engineering