engineering games + play
Design, build, and send vehicles down our adjustable race track. Shoot a basketball, score a home run, and dive into material science and natural phenomenon concepts through the lens of beloved local sports teams.
recommended for ages 2-12
exhibit experiences
bernoulli’s hoops
Witness and experience the gravity-defying magic of Bernoulli’s principle at work through the lens of basketball. While directing forced air at different speeds and directions, learners will challenge themselves to sink a basket using only the power of pressure and speed.
grand slam science + pitch perfect
presented by the annette m. and theodore n. lerner family foundation
A digital/physical batting experience, Grand Slam Science will encourage visitors to select from a variety of traditional bats and balls or playful alternatives to simulate on a large digital screen. Digital simulations combined with physical movement will allow learners to investigate and test how different bat and ball combinations result in various outcomes. Visitors can also test different pitching methods in Pitch Perfect to land that strike!
on the go-go
presented by the district department of transportation
Design, build and race cars down a giant, adjustable custom race track! Observe how ramp height changes the potential energy, kinetic energy, and the force of gravity, as learners test their cars on adjustable ramps and record their data through finish-line cameras and timers.
toddler climber
A protected space for little learners under 3 to engage in physical exploration—a first introduction to biomechanical engineering!
what is your child learning?
Doing science (Mechanics and causality: how stuff works and constructing experiments. Design it, build it, test it out, learn!)
Experimentation through active play
Building muscles big and small
Working collaboratively with other children and taking turns
who uses these skills?
Engineer
Product designer
Entrepreneur
Author
Physiologist
where is this exhibit located?
Engineering Games + Play is located on Floor 1, one level down from the main entrance, next to Little Movers and Tinkerers Studio.
extra Museum resources
STEAMwork videos
STEAM Daydream with National Children’s Museum podcast
discover STEAM careers
meet a STEAM expert!
The IF/THEN® Initiative is a national effort sponsored by Lyda Hill Philanthropies® to inspire young girls to pursue STEM careers while creating a culture shift in how the world perceives women in STEM.
Dr. Monica Rho, sports medicine doctor
If you want to discover how science and medicine relates to the experiences in Engineering Games + Play, meet Monica! As the team physician of the US Women’s National Soccer Team, she uses science to keep the players healthy and performing at their best!
