Young inventors show off their work at Cornerstone Christian Academy

Cornerstone Christian Academys second grade students embarked on their study of simple machines with a bit of a twist. They were introduced to the late engineer and comic strip illustrator, Rube Goldberg (1883-1970), best known for his comic creations of crazy machines designed to show a complicated way to perform a simple task. The Milton Bradley game Mouse Trap is a Rube Goldberg inspiration. The typical discussions of wheels and pulleys were enhanced through a project approach, as they became junior inventors of some of their own incredibly wacky contraptions.For his invention, Tegan Dow writes:In second grade, we had an Invention Convention. Everybodys invention was great. My invention is about pouring dog food into a bowl. Here are the steps:1. First I come out and squeak the toy three times.2. Step two, my dog Bella comes out.3. Bella pulls the bone.4. The cup raises.5. The cup hits the pulley and dumps the food.6. The food goes into the bowl.Pictured left to right, back row, are Caleb Long, Rylee Hanson, Elizabeth Avery, Sarah Ernst, Skyla Dore, Caroline Krauss, Christina Zavas, Michael Fenton. Front row, Samuel Apalsch, Daniel Knapp, Eric Mercer, Tegan Dow, Kali Pearson, Maya Naramore.