Bellevue Bowl

Recently we got a behind-the-scenes tour at our local bowling alley: Bellevue Bowl.  Here's what we saw:

The upper-mechanism that makes it all work.

A stockpile of pins in the back.

The back region where the pins are collected
and returned for the next frame.

At the close of each frame the pins shake to the back and are then
elevated and spun.  Once they reach the top they are placed into
their individual slots so they can be carefully placed for play.

Here's that upper region where they fall into place.

Here they are falling into place.
They are almost ready to be dropped
into position.

And here they are nesting and ready to go.

The scissor.

This machine cleans and lubricates
the lanes each day.

I think this field trip was a winner.

I'll leave you with some bowling facts:
1. The ball return sends your ball back to you at a speed of 35 mph.
2. The lanes need to be cleaned and lubricated daily.  If the lanes were not lubricated the friction of the ball racing down the lane would burn the wood.
3. The interior of each pin is carved out of wood.
4. The exterior of each pin is covered in plastic.
5. A laser detects that a ball has traveled into the pin area and that is what activates the sweeping arm.
6. The pin-grabbing device that clamps and elevates the upright pins is called a scissor.

Friends, where are you going on your field trips?  What have you been learning?

Joyfully,

Google Search Terms: Melissa Culver, homeschool, School Daze, bowling, field trip, Bellevue Bowl, Atwater, CA, bowling facts