RUBE GOLDBERG was an American cartoonist whose idea of fun was solving simple problems in ridiculously complicated ways.
Long ago, Lolly Schorreck, Severn School sixth-grade science teacher, recognized the educational value of these funny solutions.
So, she's challenged her pupils this year to "put cereal in a bowl" as Goldberg would have done it.
On March 19 in the Great Room of Severn School, the pupils' working inventions will be on display from 1: 15 p.m. to 2: 15 p.m.
The work is the culmination of an annual assignment by Schorreck, a 13-year veteran at Severn, who uses the project to explain all sorts of physical and scientific facts in an entertaining way.
The pupils must name their inventions, and use at least eight steps and at least three simple machines (lever, wedge, screw, wheel and axle, gears or pulley).
The project is also a lesson in problem-solving. The young inventors can choose to work in twos or alone. They can have help hauling the project but must set it up on their own and have to figure out how to get it to school and take it home.
The emphasis is on independence.
"If your design necessitates using tools that an adult must handle, find another way to do it, or change your design," Schorreck told her pupils. "This activity will be valuable to you only if you do the planning and work, without someone else hovering, directing or participating."
Afghans of the bay
The Kiwanis Club of Severna Park has received a new shipment of coverlet-afghans depicting scenes from the Chesapeake Bay and Anne Arundel County.
In soft Williamsburg blue, beige and cinnamon, the afghan features a county map surrounded by the Bay Bridge, Thomas Point Lighthouse, the Naval Academy chapel, the community college and more.
They cost $45, and profits are returned to the community. Tom Nester, Kiwanis salesman, said that when this shipment is gone, the club will have sold 600 afghans.
Information: Nester at 410-647-5271 or Jim Stands at 410-647-5069.
Mystery auction
The Snip Snap Sewing Club conducts its annual Mystery Auction from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. March 18 at Christ Lutheran Church on Jumpers Hole Road.
Club members donate all auction items. Guests are welcome.
Information: 410-766-8117.
Concerts at discount
To attend the 1999-2000 concert series of the Anne Arundel County Concert Association, you'll want to subscribe at the 8 p.m. Monday presentation of Quartetto Gelato at Severna Park High School.
Discounts are available for subscribing on or before Monday or for choosing the new family membership.
On Monday, adult tickets will cost $15 and children's $5.
Information: 410-647-6873.
Pub Date: 3/11/99