What is a MESA Machine? How do they work? And what are the science and math concepts behind them? Also known as Rube Goldberg machines, this pathway will dive into various concepts such as energy, potential energy, kinetic energy, and speed, how these concepts work mathematically, and ultimately brainstorm ideas to build a complex machine that will propel a vehicle using wind-based energy.
2026-27 SUBMISSION
Engineering Lab Books due on February 12th at 11am
Only one submission per team. Note that we will only accept the first submission to be judged.
All documents should be labeled as followed: students’ first names, underscore, school.
For example: dolujanienesarah_CSUEB
Machine MESA 2026-2027 Draft Rules
Engineering Lab Book
Engineering Lab Book Rules
Engineering Lab Book Example and Template
RESOURCES
1: Engineering Design Process
2: Introduction to MESA Machine
3: This Too Shall Pass - Rube Goldberg Machine
4: Successful MESA Machine
Project made by: Emanuel Salas, Roberto Flores, and Alejandro Gonzalez
5: Example of Simple Machines
6: Machine Categories and Actions
7: Potential and Kinetic Energy
8: Mechanical Energy and Friction
9: MESA Machine Math Problems
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
This video will go over some of the online resources available to both students and advisors for the MESA Day competition.
Fall Virtual MESA Week Presentation