Pinball Wizard
Source Institutions
-
WGBH
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In this hands-on engineering project, kids use two simple machines, levers and inclined planes, to construct their own pinball machines. Using the engineering design process and easy-to-find materials like straws and cardboard, kids can create an endless variety of games.
- 5 to 10 minutes
- 30 to 45 minutes
- $1 - $5 per student
- Ages 6 - 11
- Activity, Game
- English, Spanish
Quick Guide
Materials List (per student)
- shoe box top
- clear tape
- scissors
- 2 cups from an egg carton
- straws
- brass fastener (1/2 in or 3/4 in)
- thin cardboard
- marble
- pencil
- optional: small paper cups, bottle caps, pipe cleaners, markers, aluminum foil, odds & ends
Subjects
- Engineering and Technology
- Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Engineering
- Physical Sciences
- Motion and Forces
- Machines
- Gravity
- Motion and Forces
- The Nature of Technology
- The Design Process
Informal Categories
- Arts and Crafts
- Games
- Toys
Audience
To use this activity, learners need to:
- see
- be mobile
- touch
Learning styles supported:
- Involves teamwork and communication skills
- Links STEM to other topics of interest such as arts and humanities
- Involves hands-on or lab activities
Other
Components that are part of this resource:
Includes alignment to state and/or national standards
This resource is part of:
Access Rights:
- Free access
By:
- WGBH
Source Collection:
- FETCH! With Ruff Ruffman
Rights:
- WGBH Educational Foundation, 2010
Funding Sources:
- National Science Foundation, 0840307
- Public television viewers
- Chuck E. Cheese's
