A Rube Goldberg machine is a complex contraption designed to perform a simple task through a series of indirect and often humorous steps. Named after the American cartoonist Rube Goldberg, these machines use everyday objects like dominoes, levers, and pulleys to create a chain reaction that ultimately achieves a basic goal, such as turning off a light or pouring a glass of water. These machines are often characterized by their whimsical designs and elaborate sequences. They highlight creativity and engineering principles, making them popular in educational settings to teach concepts like cause and effect, energy transfer, and problem-solving.