Ball Range

 

At this exhibit, visitors are challenged to experiment with force and trajectory by aiming a nozzle and shooting balls at targets placed throughout a range 50 feet long. There will be two “shooting stations” at one end of the range, both of which will use air pressure to shoot the balls.  Visitors would first place a ball in the loading port at one of the two shooting stations.  Each nozzle will be adjustable in a left-right and up-down direction. Once the visitor has chosen a target and aimed the nozzle, they can launch the ball.  One shooting station uses an air compressor operated by a button to activate the shooting force, ensuring that the activity is accessible to people with physical limitations. At the second shooting station, visitors will create the air pressure through a through a plunger. Depending on the force used, the air pressure is likewise adjustable at this station. Repeated experimentation will help visitors grasp the connection between force and trajectory in moving objects. The size of the Ball Range also encourages teamwork, with some visitors working the shooters and others serving as spotters to provide advice on adjustments.