“Shoot the Moon” Game: Simulations, Strategy, and Control
Student Researcher
Abrianna Hosley
Washington & Jefferson College
Faculty Advisor
Dr. Cory Christenson
Department of Physics
Washington & Jefferson College
Why This Research Matters
Many real-world engineering challenges involve understanding complex dynamic systems and determining how to control them effectively. Although Shoot the Moon is a tabletop game, it provides an accessible platform for studying important scientific concepts including gravity, potential energy, nonlinear dynamics, feedback control, and system optimization.
By investigating the physics behind the game, researchers can develop techniques that are broadly applicable to engineering design, automation, robotics, and computational modeling. The project also demonstrates how simple physical systems can be used as powerful educational tools for teaching advanced STEM concepts.
Project Overview
The classic "Shoot the Moon" game appears simple at first glance: a ball rolls along two adjustable rails, and players attempt to move the ball as far as possible without letting it fall. Behind this seemingly simple game, however, lies a fascinating combination of physics, mathematics, engineering, and control systems.
Through support from a STEMNetX Research Grant, Abrianna Hosley is conducting research under the mentorship of Dr. Cory Christenson to model and analyze the dynamics of the Shoot the Moon game. By developing mathematical models and computer simulations, the research team aims to better understand how factors such as rail position, angle, and timing affect the motion of the ball and ultimately determine the optimal strategy for success.
The project combines theoretical physics, computational modeling, experimental validation, and automation to explore how complex physical systems can be analyzed and controlled.
Research Goals
The objectives of this project include:
Developing mathematical models that describe the motion of the ball within the Shoot the Moon game.
Creating numerical simulations using Python to predict system behavior under different conditions.
Identifying optimal strategies for maximizing ball travel while minimizing the risk of failure.
Testing theoretical predictions through experimental measurements and video analysis.
Designing an automated control system using cameras, motors, and microcontrollers to implement and evaluate optimal gameplay strategies.
Meet the Research Team
Abrianna Hosley
My name is Abrianna Hosley, and I am a first-year student at Washington & Jefferson College, majoring in Physics and minoring in English. I am passionate about books, science, nature, space, swimming, and music. While my strengths lie in science and mathematics, I am always eager to take on new challenges across a variety of disciplines. My love for science began while growing up on our family farm. For as long as I can remember, I hiked, biked, fished, and explored the trails, meadows, fields and forest. Being from a small town taught me the value of community and helped me develop a strong work ethic. I plan to pursue graduate studies in physics and contribute to meaningful research that advances the scientific community. My hobbies include playing violin, studying classical composition, playing chess, swimming (I have been a competitive swimmer for 14 years), and anything that involves being outdoors.
Dr. Cory Christenson
Dr. Cory Christenson received his Ph.D. in Physics from the University of Arizona in 2011, and before that his B.A. in Physics from Gustavus Adolphus College in MN. His research interests are in organic polymers and dyes for optic-based technologies, such as solar cells, holography, and data storage, but he enjoys investigating a broad range of liberal arts topics that benefit student learning, such as self-driving cars, the history of energy, and how to incorporate a multicultural history of physics into classes. He was a post-doc at Case Western, and has been a consulting engineer for companies working in the organic photonics industry. He is also active in the Western PA Division of the AAPT and enjoys biking, hiking, and Latin.
STEMNetX Impact
The STEMNetX Research Grant program supports undergraduate students and faculty mentors as they pursue innovative research projects that foster scientific discovery and technical skill development. Through this project, Abrianna Hosley is building expertise in modeling, simulation, experimental validation, programming, and engineering design.
We are proud to support Abrianna Hosley and Dr. Cory Christenson as they advance research that demonstrates the power of physics, computation, and engineering to solve complex problems while inspiring the next generation of STEM leaders.