Have you ever wondered about the physics behind a ring toss game? Wondered how far you could catapult a frog? Probably not — but if you’re thinking about it now, find your way to this weekend’s Carnival of Science.
On Saturday, carnival games, popcorn, snow cones and Zippy the Clown will fill the street outside of the World of Wonders Science Museum.
“We wanted to do a nice, fun event that could be outside toward the end of summer,” said Jen Young, the museum’s program director.
The carnival will offer several new, science-based games, along with carnival classics like the ring toss, the strongman game High Striker, a “kissing” booth, a dunk tank and more.
(Don’t worry about cooties, kids — the kissing booth holds a jar full of Hershey Kisses, where you can test your counting and mathematical abilities.)
Among the new games is a Frog Toss, a sort of catapult that launches plush frogs. No real frogs will be harmed by the game.
“You use the mallet to launch stuffed frogs into a marked area,” Young said.
Participants have to figure out how to arrange the launcher to hit the target.
The classic games also take on a scientific twist — World of Wonders staff will explain just why they’re so hard to win.
“We’re talking about the science behind them, and why you may want not want to invest your money into those type of games,” Young said.
When carnival-goers get tired of the Goofy Goggle Dunk Tank, Paper Air Rockets, Solar Etching and Reaction Time, there’s still more to do.
Zippy the Clown, a favorite at Lodi’s annual Grape Festival, will provide entertainment during the event. Kelsey Cardoni of Artist on the Spot will paint faces.
Visitors to the Carnival of Science can buy tickets for 25 cents each. Each activity costs a few tickets.
Tickets can also be used to buy popcorn, snow cones and other concessions. The snow cone flavors all have a scientific theme as well, Young said. He listed off a few examples: Super Nova, Roy G. Biv (named after a mnemonic device to remember the order of colors in the rainbow), Solar Flare and Brain Freeze, which will include a gummy brain on top.
Like any other carnival, attendees will have the chance to earn points that can be traded for fun science prizes.
“Both the young and the young at heart will have a blast,” the museum said.