Schools
VIDEO: RHS Physics Teams Compete in "Rube Goldberg" Contest
About 20 teams of Riverhead High School students competed to pop a balloon in the most elaborate way possible.
Inflate and pop the balloon.
It sounds simple, but for 20 teams of Riverhead High School physics students competing in this year's "Rube Goldberg" device contest, the results were anything but.
The teams, from groups of freshman to experienced seniors, all built elaborate contraptions to pop their balloon in the most complicated and inventive way possible.
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Their creations were judged on how they popped the balloon, creativity, and if they used everyday items in the most unusual ways. The devices ranged from air compressors to the explosive "Coke and Mentos" method of popping the balloon. And that's not counting the Hot Wheels cars, ping-pong balls, bottles of water, and mouse traps in between.
High School physics teacher Greg Wallace said five to six teams will move on to the regional competition at the Cradle of Aviation Museum in Garden City this February.
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To see the best of this year's contraptions, click on the video above. Which device is your favorite? Let us know in the comments below.
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