Create a littlebits rube goldberg machine
Build a littleBits Rube Goldberg machine using electronic modules, ramps, dominoes, and everyday objects, then test to explore cause-and-effect and simple machines.
About this activity
Build a littleBits Rube Goldberg machine using electronic modules, ramps, dominoes, and everyday objects, then test to explore cause-and-effect and simple machines.
What you need
Step by step
- 1
Step 1
Clear a flat workspace on a table or floor so you have lots of room to build your machine.
- 2
Step 2
Pick a clear start trigger and a fun finish goal for your machine like lighting an LED or tipping a cup.
- 3
Step 3
Snap together the littleBits power module and an input module to make the start of your electronic chain.
- 4
Step 4
Add an output module such as a servo buzzer or motor to the chain so it can push or move something in your machine.
- 5
Step 5
Turn on the littleBits power briefly to test that the output moves or activates.
- 6
Step 6
Place a lightweight object or small toy directly in front of the output so the output can push it when activated.
- 7
Step 7
Build a ramp from cardboard or books and tape it in place so the pushed object will roll toward the next part of your chain.
- 8
Step 8
Arrange a line of dominoes or small blocks that the rolling object will hit and carry the action forward.
- 9
Step 9
Create a simple marble release by propping a cup or barrier that the falling dominoes will nudge to free a marble.
- 10
Step 10
Make a lever by balancing a ruler on a pencil and position it so the marble or ball will hit one end and lift or drop something else.
- 11
Step 11
Do a careful dry run by nudging the starting object by hand to watch the mechanical sequence and adjust any pieces that miss.
- 12
Step 12
Activate your littleBits start input to run the full Rube Goldberg machine and watch each step happen in order.
- 13
Step 13
Tweak positions tape or angles where needed and repeat tests until your machine works reliably.
- 14
Step 14
Share a photo and description of your finished Rube Goldberg machine on DIY.org so everyone can see your clever creation.
Fun facts
How do I build a littleBits Rube Goldberg machine step by step?
Start by sketching a chain reaction with a clear start and finish. Pick littleBits modules (power, input, connector, output) and map where electronic actions will trigger mechanical elements. Build a stable base, attach ramps, domino lines, marbles, pulleys, and levers so each step triggers the next. Connect littleBits, test each segment independently, then run full tests, observe cause-and-effect, and iterate until the sequence reliably completes.
What materials do I need to make a littleBits Rube Goldberg machine?
Materials: a littleBits kit with power, input (buttons, sensors), and output (motors, LEDs) modules, jumper wires and a baseboard; ramps or cardboard, marbles or small balls, dominoes, tape, scissors, glue, clothespins, string, small toys, batteries if required, and optional tools like a hot glue gun and scissors. Include safety itemsāadult supervision, goggles, and a tidy workspace.
What ages is this littleBits Rube Goldberg activity suitable for?
This activity is best for children aged about 8ā14 who can follow multi-step plans and handle small electronics. Younger kids (5ā7) can join with close adult supervision and adult handling of tools and wiring. Teens can design more complex sequences and learn debugging. Adapt complexity, provide safety guidance, and supervise any cutting, hot glue, or small parts to match each childās attention and motor skills.
What are the benefits of making a littleBits Rube Goldberg machine?
Building a littleBits Rube Goldberg machine teaches engineering, sequencing, and cause-and-effect while encouraging creativity and patience. Kids practice basic electronics, simple machines (ramps, levers), problem-solving, teamwork, and iterative testing. The project boosts fine motor skills, spatial reasoning, and resilience as children learn to debug failures. Itās an engaging STEM activity that ties hands-on making to physics and coding concepts in a playful, low-pressure way.
Watch & Learn
Need help?
What can I use if I don't have a littleBits power module or a servo/motor output?
If you can't find the littleBits power module or servo/buzzer/motor, use an AA battery pack or coin-cell holder for power and a small hobby motor, buzzer, or wind-up toy as the pushing output to nudge the lightweight object in step 5.
Why does my rolling object stop on the ramp or miss the domino line, and how can I fix it?
If the pushed object stalls on the ramp (step 7) or misses the dominoes (step 8), reduce its weight, increase the ramp angle or add side-tape guides, and retest the output motion from step 4 to ensure enough push.
How can I adapt this Rube Goldberg for different age groups?
For younger children, simplify by using large blocks instead of dominoes and having an adult snap together littleBits in steps 3ā4, while older kids can add sensors, branching paths, or multiple motors and program microcontrollers to control timings in steps 11ā13.
How can we make the machine more exciting or unique before sharing on DIY.org?
Make it more exciting by decorating ramps and the marble cup from steps 6ā9, adding an LED finish or sound effect tied to the littleBits output, timing runs with a stopwatch, and photographing the setup to post per step 14.