Prepping for AP50's Rube-a-Thon

In this week's course highlight, we sit in on a Rube-a-Thon work session for Physics as a Foundation for Science & Engineering (AP 50).

The objective of the class is to combine building and understanding in the spheres of physics and engineering so students are equipped with the eyes to see science in the real world. Over the course of the semester, students work on three, month-long team projects that turn concepts in kinematics, momentum, oscillation, gravitation, and waves into tangible structures and machines.

Recently, students were hard-at-work on their second project, in which they designed their very own Rube Goldberg machines. Here, a small section of students work to design, build, and test their Rube Goldberg machines in the SEAS Active Learning Labs.

Integrative biology concentrator Uzochi Nwoko, A.B. '20, makes measurements on the frame of his Rube-Goldberg machine. (Photo by Olivia Nie/SEAS Communications)

To add or not to add? Biomedical engineering concentrator Grace Matthews, A.B. '21, tests out the efficacy of an additional piece. (Photo by Olivia Nie/SEAS Communications)