2008 Rube Goldberg – Frequently Asked Questions
How big does the ‘X’ need to be?
We are not requiring a specific size, but it should be completely visible to the judges who will be at least two feet from the edge of the table your machine sits on.
Can we cover the ‘X’ to remove it?
The ‘X’ must be erased, but you do not necessarily need to use an eraser. It cannot be covered in paint, cloth, etc.
How exact must the shape of the ‘X’ be?
Basically, the ‘X’ must look like an ‘X’, not a ‘T’ or and ‘L’. The lines of the ‘X’ must be close in length, i.e. one should not be twice as long as the other and they should cross each other in the middle of each line.
Why do we need to have 20 steps this year when last year we only had to have 10?
Last year Rube Goldberg Inc. changed their required number of steps from 20 to 10. This year, they changed it back to 20.
In addition, we are adding back additional points for making your machine more complex. You may earn 1 point for 21-25 steps, 2 points for 26-30 steps and 3 points for having over 30 steps.
What do you exactly mean by “draw” and “erase”?
We want to encourage creativity and hopefully see some amazing machines. Therefore, you may depict these words in your machine however you like as long as you feel confident in defending your definitions of the words to any judges who may question you.
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