Constructing a solid framework for holding contraptions is always a challenge. Pitsco's TETRIX building system can help meet that challenge!
Within many classrooms, a Rube Goldberg-style challenge is pretty common – even Science Olympiad's Mission Possible competition incorporates these types of mechanisms. Finding materials to provide a solid framework for simple mechanisms is not always so simple; however, students can use many parts and pieces from the TETRIX building system to create frameworks to meet specific construction needs.
Swiveling joints? It's a breeze with TETRIX. Need large structures to hold multiple levers, pulleys, funnels, gears, string, and channels for rolling balls? TETRIX pieces bolt together in a myriad of shapes and sizes.
Speaking of channels for rolling balls, get rid of those pieces of foam pipe insulation that are difficult to cut and use. Consider using Pitsco's new Roller Coaster Track instead. It comes in a variety of lengths and may be twisted, looped, circled, and so on – configure it as you need. It's made of durable rubber and works very well with 1/2" to 1" balls. I like the steel myself, but wooden and even plastic balls can have a place in the project.
When the Roller Coaster Track is used in conjunction with a TETRIX framework, some very intricate and steady channels can be produced. These are excellent for transferring energy from a rolling ball to a lever, which releases a rotating arm holding a golf club, which strikes a golf ball, which falls and provides the energy (via an attached string-and-pulley mechanism) to lift the end of a plastic cylinder partially filled with water, which fills a cup that is sitting on the elevated end of a teeter-totter, which then starts another ball down a rubber track . . . you get the picture!
And even if you don't get the picture, your students will.
Below are some links to the products mentioned above and a link to a video of a Rube Goldberg-style mechanism; lots of good ideas are included in this!
TETRIX:
TETRIX Resource Set
TETRIX Robotic Base Set
Roller Coaster Track:
20' Track Section with Balls
3/4" Steel Balls
Video Clip (about three minutes worth of action):
Contraptions
Enjoy!