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The Arizona STEM Acceleration Project

Engineer a Pinball Machine

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Engineer a Pinball Machine

A 7th Grade STEM Lesson

Jasmine Cano

7/31/2023

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Notes for teachers

This lesson can use any material you have available, students can get creative with everyday objects!
Creativity is encouraged for students to accomplish this design. There is not one way to complete this activity, as long as the pinball machine is functional.

List of Materials

Cardboard box lids (ex: copy paper box lids) - 1 per team
Cardboard scraps
Miscellaneous materials, such as:

Small ball or marble
Popsicle Sticks
Rubber Bands
Masking Tape
Scissors or box cutters*

Paper
Toothpicks
Pipe Cleaners
Empty water bottles
Bottle caps

Markers
Feathers
Ribbons
Brass Fasteners
Paper Cups

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Science Standards

Physical Science

7.P2U1.2 Develop and use a model to predict how forces act on objects at a distance.

7.P3U1.3 Plan and carry out an investigation that can support an evidence-based explanation of how objects on Earth are

affected by gravitational force.

7.P3U1.4 Use non-algebraic mathematics and computational thinking to explain Newton’s laws of motion.

Science and Engineering Practices

ask questions and define problems
develop and use models
use mathematical and computational thinking
construct explanations and design solutions
obtain, evaluate and communicate information

1.4.a. Students know and use a deliberate design process for generating ideas, testing theories, creating innovative artifacts or solving authentic problems.

1.4.d. Students exhibit a tolerance for ambiguity, perseverance and the capacity to work with open-ended problems.

1.5.c. Students break problems into component parts, extract key information, and develop descriptive models to understand complex systems or facilitate problem-solving.

1.7.c Students contribute constructively to project teams, assuming various roles and responsibilities to work effectively toward a common goal.

ISTE Standards

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Objective:

Today we will design and build a working pinball machine that demonstrates Newton’s Laws of Motion.

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Agenda (3 days)

Day 1

How a Pinball Machine Works

Newton’s Laws

Pinball Design

Day 2-3

Pinball Build

Closing Conversation

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What is a Pinball Machine?

Who has played a pinball machine?

Where are pinball machines?

How do you play a pinball machine?

What is the goal of pinball?

What are the parts of a pinball machine?

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Newton’s Laws

How can a Pinball Machine demonstrate each law?

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Pinball Design

In teams, design a pinball machine out of cardboard and other materials that has:

working flippers
working ball shooter
slingshot
demonstration of each Law of Motion
point system
trough (place where ball is caught between flippers)

Label materials being used for parts!

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Pinball Machine Build

Using your sketch, gather materials and begin to build your pinball machine.

Make sure your design has:

working flippers
working ball shooter
slingshot
demonstration of each Law of Motion
point system
trough (place where ball is caught between flippers)

Hint: Pinball machines are usually played at an angle so ball has more motion!

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Pinball Machine Tests

working flippers
working ball shooter
slingshot
demonstration of each Law of Motion
point system
trough (place where ball is caught between flippers)

Time to test pinball machines!

You will have 3-4 minutes to test each pinball machine. Be mindful of the design requirements and what parts of the project work well or are well made.

Assessment and Wrap Up:

When students are done with their projects at the end of the last build day, allow time for students to rotate through all teams and test pinball machine. Establish expectations for interacting with other student projects, and what to look for while testing pinball machines.

When students have finished testing each project, have a discussion as a class on what went well, what teams struggled with, what was the most successful strategy for accomplishing specific goals within the project, etc.

You can use a self-reflection or a rubric. Here are example reflection questions you can ask or modify:

What were the most significant insights or lessons learned?
How might you apply what you learned to future engineering challenges or activities?

If you would prefer a rubric, here is an example EDP (engineering design process) rubric you can use: EDP Rubric

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Differentiation

To make project more manageable for students:

Make flippers as a whole group
Use cups for simple scoring
Make mini pinball machines out of smaller boxes
Get rid of shooter and drop ball from the top

Remediation

Extension/Enrichment

Make pinball machine have a theme.

After completing the project, have students reflect on best designs and improve their own design and recreate a better pinball machine.

Try to add technology aspects (MakeyMakey, littlebits, etc.) to automate pinball machine.

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Box Cutter Training

Cut away from body.

Keep fingers away from cut area.

Measure before cutting.

Keep lid on/retract box cutter when not in use.

Cut on approved surfaces/with cardboard underneath to protect tables.

Tell teacher immediately if any injury occurs.

Only safe movements allowed.

Do not be in close proximity to anyone with a box cutter.

Alternative

Have pieces pre cut into squares or strips.

Use scissors and thin cardboard material.