The Badge Archive

Fulfills Step 5 of GSUSA Senior Cybersecurity Basics badge requirements.

Info Needed for the badge requirements: Minimization reduces risks, such as removing unnecessary features or deleting unused apps to limit entry points for hackers. Simplicity in design makes products easier to use and problems easier to fix, improving reliability and security. While Rube Goldberg Machines are fun to create and watch, they prioritize complexity over efficiency.

Items Needed

• Sheets of paper (as many as needed)
• Tape (scotch or masking)
• Scissors

Instructions

1. Scouts brainstorm as a group or individually to design a machine that completes a simple task, such as moving a paper ball or triggering a paper lever. Sketch out the design to map the steps in the chain reaction.
2. Use the paper to create different machine elements, such as:
   • Ramps: Fold or roll the paper into inclined planes.
   • Dominoes: Cut small rectangles to stand as domino pieces.
   • Paper Ball: Crumple a sheet of paper into a ball to use as a rolling object.
   • Pendulum: Cut and tape paper to create a pendulum that swings when triggered.
   • Levers: Fold and tape paper to act as a simple lever.
3. Start building the machine by connecting the components in a logical sequence. For example:
   • Dominoes fall to push a paper ball.
   • The ball rolls down a ramp to trigger a pendulum.
   • The pendulum hits a lever to complete the task.
4. Once the machine is assembled, test it to ensure all steps work and lead to the desired outcome.
   • (Optional) If something doesn’t work, troubleshoot and adjust the design.

Paper Only Design Ideas

1. Ramps
   • Fold a sheet of paper lengthwise into thirds or quarters to create a sturdy, inclined plane.
   • Alternatively, roll the paper into a tube and cut it in half lengthwise to form a curved ramp.
   • Use tape to secure the ramp to a base (e.g., another piece of paper folded into a support or taped to books).
2. Dominoes
   • Cut small rectangles or strips of paper that can stand upright as domino pieces.
   • To make them more stable, fold the base slightly to create a small flap and tape it lightly to the surface.
   • Arrange them close together so that knocking one over triggers the others in a chain reaction.
3. Paper Ball
   • Crumple a sheet of paper into a tight ball.
   • Adjust the size to fit the needs of your machine (use smaller sheets for a lightweight ball or larger ones for more weight).
4. Pendulum
   • Cut a strip of paper and fold it in half to make it thicker and sturdier.
   • Tape one end of the strip to a fixed point, like the edge of a surface or a paper support, so it can swing freely.
   • Add a small weight at the bottom, such as a crumpled paper ball, for momentum.
5. Levers
   • Fold a piece of paper in half or into thirds lengthwise to create a stiff strip.
   • Tape one end of the strip to a base, allowing the other end to pivot freely.
   • Use the lever to transfer motion by applying pressure on one side to lift or lower the other.
6. Funnels
   • Roll a sheet of paper into a cone shape and tape the edges to secure it.
   • Use the funnel to guide a rolling object, like a paper ball, into the next component of the machine.
7. Slides or Chutes
   • Fold a piece of paper in half lengthwise and slightly curve the edges upward to create a slide or chute.
   • Place it at an angle to allow objects to glide smoothly to the next step.
8. Spinners
   • Cut a small, symmetrical shape (e.g., a circle or triangle) from paper.
   • Poke a hole through the center and attach it to a paper axle (a tightly rolled paper tube) with tape.
   • When triggered, the spinner rotates and transfers motion to the next step.
9. Bridges
   • Fold a sheet of paper into a sturdy “U” or arch shape.
   • Place the bridge over gaps in your machine to connect components and guide rolling objects across.
10. Paper Tubes
    • Roll a sheet of paper tightly into a tube and secure it with tape.
    • Use these tubes as tunnels for rolling objects or as supports for other components.
11. Springs
    • Cut a strip of paper and fold it accordion-style (zig-zag folds).
    • Tape one end to a base and attach the other end to an object that can bounce or transfer force when released.
12. Pulley System
    • Create two paper tubes and tape them vertically onto a base as supports.
    • Thread a string or strip of paper through the tops of the tubes. Attach an object to one end of the string and a counterweight to the other.
    • Use the pulley to transfer motion upward or downward.
13. Flags or Flippers
    • Cut a small flag shape and attach it to a paper lever or pendulum to act as a visual or functional element that flips during the chain reaction.
14. Paper Bridges with Traps
    • Fold a piece of paper into a drawbridge shape, with one section able to flip open when triggered.
    • Use it to control the motion of rolling objects or create a trapdoor effect.