Build a Rube Goldberg machine

What can we use instead of hard-to-find items like a clothespin, marble, or dominoes?

Use a binder clip or hair clip instead of a clothespin, a small rubber ball or LEGO wheel instead of a marble, and stacked blocks or toy cars in place of dominoes while keeping the same ramp, string, and cup target steps.

My rolling object keeps stopping before it hits the dominoes—what should I try?

If the marble or toy car stops before the dominoes, raise the book to increase the ramp slope, smooth the cardboard with tape, or move the first dominoes closer to the ramp's end so the rolling object reliably makes contact.

How can I adapt this Rube Goldberg build for different age groups?

For younger kids use a shorter chain with big blocks, a toy car, and an adult to tape the cardboard and tie the string, while older kids can draw a more detailed plan, add extra stages like a second clothespin release or car launch point, and experiment with ramp angles.

How can we extend or personalize the machine once it works?

Decorate the cardboard ramp and plastic cup, add more stages such as another domino line or clothespin-triggered launcher, and film the final run to share your finished Rube Goldberg creation on DIY.org.