The Lawrence Hall of Science Asset 37
The public science center of the University of California, Berkeley.
Tuesday–Sunday 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
On a visit to The Lawrence, students collaborate to investigate new ideas as they become scientists and engineers for a day.
We partner with school districts to support science learning. We offer district-wide elementary, middle, and high school programs, either virtually or in-person.
We collaborate with a range of partners to innovate in science education. Together, we go further.
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Tuesday - Sunday
All Ages
Accessible
You don't have to be a pro to know that math and science can help improve your game. Experiment with force, angles, and trajectory to get the highest scores you can with classic arcade games such as Skee-ball, pinball, minigolf, and basketball.
Want to improve your score? Try our interactive exhibits on the math and science behind force and trajectory, and then head back to the arcade to apply the principles you’ve learned. Maximize your score while you have maximum fun!
Ramps and RollersThink like an engineer: create pathways and vertical drops using ramps, and then test your design using small balls and the force of gravity.
Skee-BallSkee-Ball is more than just a fun arcade game! By thinking about how the force with which you roll the ball and the trajectory of the ball as it travels, you can refine your skill and your score.
ForceExplore the concept of force when you play this game by trying to get the ball into each hole that lights up. The farther back you pull the spring before releasing it, the more force the spring will apply to the ball. How much force does it take to get the ball into each hole?
TrajectoryExplore the concept of trajectory when you play this game by trying to shoot the ball into each hole that lights up. The angle you use to launch the ball is related to the distance the ball travels. The path that the ball travels is called its trajectory.
BasketballUse what you learn about trajectory and force to help you shoot the ball into the basket to improve your score!
Putt ZonePlay on a plain course, or add obstacles to challenge yourself in a round of minigolf in our Putt Zone. Notice how the angle of incidence is related to the angle of reflection to help you aim the ball into the target.
Imagine a line perpendicular to where your golf ball strikes the wall. What do you notice about the angle between that line and the path of the ball before it hits the wall, and the angle between that line and the path of the ball after it hits the wall?
Because the ball and floor are not perfectly smooth surfaces in this game, the angle of incidence might not be exactly the same as the angle of reflection, but they will probably be close!
PinballPinball games are fan favorites! Both force and angles of incidence and reflection are at play as you play these different arcade games.
Admission
General
Age 3+: $20
Kids under 2: FREE
Members: FREE
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