National Rube Goldberg Finals Coming To Lawrenceburg April 6

Thursday, March 21, 2019 at 1:30 PM

This year's theme is "Put Money in the Piggy Bank".

(Lawrenceburg, Ind.) – Teams from across the country will flock to Lawrenceburg this April for the Rube Goldberg Machine Contest Finals.

The 31st annual event will be held on Saturday, April 6 at the Lawrenceburg Event Center.

This year, teams from three divisions are tasked with creating machines that “Put Money in a Piggy Bank”. The three divisions are Apprentice (ages 8-11), Division I (11-14), and Division II (ages 14-18).

George added that the best creations are made from everyday objects.

“Our goal is to promote STEM and STEAM education through the unique lens of my grandfather, “says Jennifer George, Rube’s granddaughter and the Legacy Director of Rube Goldberg, Inc. “The Rube Goldberg Machine Contest works for today’s kids because you need to offer them something fun and engaging in order for them to take a break from their devices. We’re teaching them how to problem solve in the real world. No screens, no coding, just old-fashioned face-to-face, hands-on problem solving that requires teamwork, creativity and out of the box thinking.”

George added that the best creations are made from everyday objects.

“One person’s garbage can be the key to another person’s RGM. All you need is a pile of junk and a great imagination to compete. There are no hefty fees, nor hidden costs to participate. The playing field is level, private school vs. public school, homeschoolers vs. Title I schools – anyone can win!”

In order to win, teams must impress referees and judges, who will determine the first, second and third place teams in each division.

“Every year I am so excited to see what the kids come up with,” George continues. “The theme of the machines, the costumes, the humor – and then of course, WILL IT WORK?! Every year the stakes get higher, the contraptions more elaborate, and the kids more endearing – and this year we’re lucky to be hosting all three Divisions over the course of one day, at the brand new Lawrenceburg Event Center. I can’t wait!”