Minnesota Children's Museum

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Ball-o-rama

Discover the fun behind physical science

September 13, 2008 – February 1, 2009

Ball-o-rama bounces back with a new spin. Children will learn physics skills and concepts by sending golf balls racing down roller coaster ramps to demonstrate velocity, gravity, friction, inertia, acceleration and momentum. At this hands-on exhibit, visitors will understand such mysteries as why people don’t fall out of a rollercoaster when riding upside down. Many of the interactive components were modeled after century-old experiments created by Galileo and Newton.

Timing and good ball placement unlock the key to mastering Hit the Bucket as children of all ages experiment to find the right combination that will send their golf ball down a ramp and into a revolving bucket. The Big U allows visitors to experiment with a number of physical science principles by attempting to get a golf ball to complete a "U" shape ramp. Gravity pulls the golf ball down the track, overcoming friction. However, the ball fights gravity on the ramp, allowing friction to slow it down.

The revamped exhibit includes a newly-developed “Tot Spot”, designed for toddlers and preschoolers to build physical skills and begin experimenting with balls in motion. The exhibit’s smallest visitors will discover how different sizes and textures affect how high or low a ball will bounce. Children can also experience the thrill of spinning by controlling how fast the balls turn. Will they spin one ball or spin them all?

Check out these books related to science:

• Roll, Slope and Slide by Michael Dahle
• Sounds All Around by Wendy Pfeffer
• What Magnets Can Do by Allan Fowler
• Shadows and Reflections by Tana Hoban
• What is the World Made of?  All About Solids, Liquids and Gases by Kathleen Zoefeld and Paul Meisel
• How Do You Lift a Lion? by Robert Wells