Don’t tell the kids, pinball machines teach science

Bumpers on a vintage pinball machine at The Art And Science Of Pinball exhibit. The exhibition includes vintage machines visitors can actually play, while learning about the science and engineering that goes into the games. Photos: TNS

So there I was, bouncing off the walls like a human ball in a room of bumpers, playing a 1999 Attack From Mars pinball game at Chabot Space & Science Center in Oakland, California – unofficially known currently as the “Chabot Arcade”.

And while it was a blast slamming crabby, rude Martians with a speeding silver projectile, I was secretly learning stuff, too.