PythagoraSwitch (ピタゴラスイッチ, Pitagora Suitchi) is a Japanese educational television program...

The Rube Goldberg devices that appear during the beginning, ending, and between each corner (segment) are called Pythagorean Device (ピタゴラ装置, Pitagora Sōchi). The main focus of the program is a puppet show, but the subject is mainly advanced by the small corners. World phenomena, principles, characteristics, and the like are introduced in an entertaining way... Often Switch (スイッチ, Suitchi) and Mechanism (しくみ, Shikumi) appear on the show to... form new interests and [present] new information.

The flags that show up at the end of each device-cycle can be annoying, especially if you don't understand what's written. However, the machines are well-crafted and very entertaining.