Mixed Media Activities

Students can learn become interested in simple machines and energy transfer by tapping into an YouTube video which is the The Rube Goldberg Machine version of this video (a well known intern... See More

Students can learn become interested in simple machines and energy transfer by tapping into an YouTube video which is the The Rube Goldberg Machine version of this video (a well known internet clip) of the music video “This Too Shall Pass” by the rock band OK Go. Figure one in this article is an assessment of student learning through Rube Goldberg devices. Figure two in the article is a rubric for student learning through video analysis. This in itself is an interesting idea. This is an excellent activity to engage students through the use of mixed media activities.

Let the Good Times Go OK Go!

If you believe, as this author, that teachers must enhance science instruction with the use of popular media, then you will appreciate the use of a YouTube video of a rock band to teach stud... See More

If you believe, as this author, that teachers must enhance science instruction with the use of popular media, then you will appreciate the use of a YouTube video of a rock band to teach students about energy transfers and simple machines. The author also suggests several movies that feature Rube Goldberg devices. They include “Back to the Future”, “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang”, and “The Goonies.” Even the television show America’s Got Talent is mentioned as a resource. This article outlines how to teach an inquiry-based lesson on simple machines that culminates with students building a Rube Goldberg machine. Using media-related resources can motivate students to learn and increase students’ use of higher level thinking skills. So, move over Beethoven and go OK Go!