After analyzing Rube Goldberg's absurd cartoon inventions and reviewing how simple machines work, fourth graders will apply Creative Awareness Tools and steps in the Creative Process to develop their own two dimensional abonimation. The "invention" will be elaborated with bits of simple machines, moving parts, pop-outs, slides, and operating doors and windows.
You can help your child incubate for this task by asking him/her to point out simple machines found in their world. Then begin thinking of ways to take the most mundane everyday tasks, and make them as absurdly complex as possible.
After first developing several plans, students will choose a final to illustrate on poster board. Since all inventions will be "a la" Goldberg cartoon-style, we will have a lesson on perspective.
Class Contraptions unveiled in early to mid November.
