The Trick to Beating a Carnival Game
Active Time
20-30 minutes
Total Project Time
20-30 minutes
Key Concepts
mass, center of mass, balance, physics
![]() IntroductionHave you ever played a game at a carnival, trying to win a stuffed animal or other prize? It might look easy, until you try it. Why are those "simple" games at the fairs and carnivals so hard? Is it really lack of skill or coordination or do those concessionaires use some basic laws of science to help them set up the games in their favor? In this science activity, you will investigate how physics can help you win — or lose — at the classic game of trying to knock over a pyramid of milk bottles using a ball.CreditsTeisha Rowland, PhD, Science Buddies
This activity is not appropriate for use as a science fair project. Good science fair projects have a stronger focus on controlling variables, taking accurate measurements, and analyzing data. To find a science fair project that is just right for you, browse our library of over 1,200 Science Fair Project Ideas or use the Topic Selection Wizard to get a personalized project recommendation.
Materials
Reviews |
Active Time
20-30 minutes
Total Project Time
20-30 minutes
Key Concepts
mass, center of mass, balance, physics
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