Watchly Safety Review

Carnival Scam Science (and how to WIN)

10:53 · 118.6M views · October 24, 2017

Minor FlagsReviewed June 2026

4Minor Flags

This is an excellent educational video that uses science and math to explain how carnival games work, including probability, physics, and game design. The host conducts a legitimate investigation with data collection and demonstrates concepts like center of mass, Newton's laws, and expected value in an engaging, family-friendly way.

Content Breakdown · 4 Categories

Realistic Violence, Threats & WeaponsA little

Brief mention of a BB gun in the context of a carnival game where the goal is to shoot out a paper star. This is presented in an educational context explaining game mechanics, not promoting weapon use or violence. The mention is factual and analytical.

See evidence (1)

“On this first one, the goal is to shoot out this red star completely with this automatic BB gun.”During discussion of 'near impossible games' section

Hidden Advertising & Sponsored ContentA little

The video contains a promotional segment for the creator's company CrunchLabs, including direct calls to action with promotional links. However, this is transparently presented as the creator's own company rather than hidden sponsorship. The Amazon references are educational examples, not affiliate promotions.

See evidence (2)

“I started a company called CrunchLabs where we build a toy together and then I teach you all the juicy physics for how it works. So if you want to learn to think like an engineer and have really fun time doing it, check out the current promotion where you get 2 FREE boxes at https://crunchlabs.com”Early in video during introduction

“You should also go subscribe to the CrunchLabs YouTube channel cause we've got some bangers in the pipeline”

Engagement Baiting & Manipulative CTAsA little

The video contains standard YouTube calls-to-action for subscribing to a related channel. These are straightforward requests without guilt-tripping, superstition, or manipulation tactics. The tone is casual and non-coercive.

See evidence (1)

“You should also go subscribe to the CrunchLabs YouTube channel cause we've got some bangers in the pipeline”During CrunchLabs promotion segment

Playful & Fantasy ViolenceA little

The video shows carnival games being played, including throwing balls at targets and milk bottles. This is presented in a playful, game context with no consequences. The competitive basketball segment at the end is clearly friendly and playful.

See evidence (3)

“The milk bottle game discussion where balls are thrown at metal bottles”Throughout the video during game demonstrations

“Basketball competition between the creator and professional baseball player Matt Winaker”Final segment with basketball competition

“Various carnival game demonstrations involving throwing objects at targets”

What Parents Need to Know

This video is educational content about carnival game mechanics with no concerning material. It teaches critical thinking about probability and fairness while explaining scientific concepts. The host uses mild terms like 'scam' and 'ripoff' to describe unfair game practices, but does so in an informative context. There's a brief joke reference to someone losing life savings at carnival games, but it's clearly hyperbolic humor. The video actually discourages wasteful spending and promotes informed decision-making.

Talk to Your Kids About

1Ask your child what they learned about probability and expected value—can they explain why carnival games are designed to favor the house?
2Discuss the physics concepts shown, like center of mass and Newton's third law. Can they think of other real-world examples?
3Talk about the importance of understanding odds and making informed choices with money, whether at carnivals or elsewhere.
4Discuss what makes something 'fair' versus 'unfair' in games and business—where's the line between clever design and deception?

Protected Viewing

What's This Video About?

Prepare to drop some knowledge next time you visit the carnival. I collected data at the carnival for a full day. Then I used that information to figure out which games are the biggest scams using science to analyze them and show you how to beat them. I also figured out how much the carnival actually pays for the prizes so even if you win, you lose. And then I visited the carnival with my professional baseball playing buddy to dominate all the games. It worked well. I started a company called CrunchLabs where we build a toy together and then I teach you all the juicy physics for how it works. So if you want to learn to think like an engineer and have really fun time doing it, check out the current promotion where you get 2 FREE boxes at https://crunchlabs.com You should also go subscribe to the CrunchLabs YouTube channel cause we’ve got some bangers in the pipeline- https://www.youtube.com/crunchlabs Thanks to these folks for providing some of the music in the video: Ponder - https://youtube.com/@Pondermusic Laura Shigihara - @supershigi Andrew Applepie - https://soundcloud.com/andrewapplepie Blue Wednesday - https://soundcloud.com/bluewednesday

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this video appropriate for elementary school kids?

Yes, this is excellent educational content for kids 8 and up. It teaches math, physics, and critical thinking in an entertaining way. The host explains concepts clearly without dumbing them down, making it perfect for curious kids who enjoy science.

Does this video teach kids to gamble or encourage risky behavior?

No, quite the opposite. The video teaches kids to think critically about probability and odds, ultimately discouraging wasteful spending on carnival games. It promotes informed decision-making and understanding the math behind games of chance.

Are there any scary or inappropriate parts in this video?

No, the content is completely family-friendly. There's one brief joke about someone losing their life savings, but it's clearly exaggerated humor used to make a point about poor spending decisions.

What educational value does this video offer?

The video teaches probability, statistics, physics (Newton's laws, center of mass, kinetic energy), critical thinking, and financial literacy. It demonstrates how to collect and analyze data, and shows real-world applications of math and science concepts kids learn in school.

Will this video make my child not want to play carnival games anymore?

It might make them more thoughtful about which games to play and how much to spend. The video doesn't say carnival games are bad, just that kids should understand the odds and play for fun rather than expecting to win big prizes.

Is the science in this video accurate and age-appropriate?

Yes, the scientific explanations are accurate and presented in an accessible way for middle-grade students and up. The host uses demonstrations and real-world examples to illustrate concepts, making complex physics and math understandable and engaging.