Chain Reaction Machine Challenge
2026 Challenge Theme: moving water from one location to another.
The North Dakota 4-H Chain Reaction Challenge provides an opportunity for teams of youth to use an engineering design process to create a Rube GoldbergTM-inspired machine. A Rube GoldbergTM-inspired machine is an overly complex contraption that does a simple task. The contraption uses everyday items in a series of chain-reaction steps that accomplish a task. The 4-H Chain Reaction Challenge allows youth to use physics, engineering, humor and storytelling. Teams are encouraged to create a theme for their contraption and incorporate their theme in the contraption.
The goal of the program is to encourage problem solving, critical thinking, creativity, innovation, team work and communication in a non-traditional learning event and to have FUN in the process. Youth who have completed third through twelfth grades can compete in the challenge.
Teams that build a contraption and complete the record keeping journal can compete or display their work at their county fair. Any team can participate; teams do not have to win a county contest to enter the challenge.
See the rule book below for a more detailed overview of the contest and rules.
- 2026 Chain Reaction Machine Challenge Handbook
- ND 4-H Engineering Design Challenge Volunteer- Coach Position
- 2026 Chain Reaction Machine Challenge Informational Slides
Simple Machines
Inclined Plane
Lever
Pulley
Screw
Wedge
Wheel and Axle
Power of Pulleys - New
Transfers of Energy
Chemical Energy
Kinetic Energy
Potential Energy
Energy Transfer - Spool Racers
