# Science-Based Circuses San Francisco's STEAM Carnival Event Uses Tech for Tricks and Games By Charlotte Joyce Kidd | Published 2015-11-06 | Life-Stages Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/carnival-event References: [fastcompany](http://www.fastcompany.com/3053243/behind-the-brand/steam-carnival-playtime-at-the-intersection-of-cirque-du-soleil-and-a-video?partner=rss&utm_source=feedly&utm_medium=webfeeds) & [steamcarnival](http://steamcarnival.com/) This San Francisco carnival event uses the power of [STEM](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-evolution-of-stem) to create eye-catching illusions and interactive, challenging games. [STEAM Carnival](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/challenge-island) is the brainchild of Two Bit Circus, a team of two self-proclaimed nerds and scientists. One half of that duo is Brent Bushnell, son of the founder of [Atari](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/atari-and-airconsole). Along with his CTO and cofounder Eric Gradman, Bushnell wanted to create an immersive, entertaining environment where kids could play and engage with science and technology. Among STEAM Carnival's high-tech games are a "Flambe" dunk tank, where hitting a target throws a performer into a pool of flames rather than water, Off Your Rocker Racing, where participants "race" wooden rocking horses equipped with accelerometers and digital screens that show their speed, and Giant Jenga, which is exactly what it sounds like. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 1.1/10 - Popularity: 5% | Activity: 20% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Alpha - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Life-Stages](https://www.trendhunter.com/life-stages) > [Youth](https://www.trendhunter.com/youth) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **STEAM Carnival Events:** STEAM Carnival events merge science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics to create immersive and entertaining experiences for kids. - **Interactive Games:** High-tech games like Flambe dunk tank and Off Your Rocker Racing offer interactive and engaging experiences that blend physical and digital elements. - **STEM Education:** The use of STEM principles in circuses and carnival events promotes hands-on learning and inspires kids to explore science and technology. ### Where This Applies - **Entertainment:** The entertainment industry can capitalize on the trend of STEAM Carnival events by creating innovative interactive attractions and games that merge technology and physical experiences. - **Education:** The education sector can leverage the STEAM Carnival concept to develop engaging and interactive learning experiences that promote STEM education and spark curiosity in students. - **Technology:** The technology industry can develop advanced technological solutions and tools to enhance the interactive elements and illusions in STEAM Carnival events, creating a new market for immersive entertainment experiences. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Branded STEAM-Focused Field Trips](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/chuck-es-steam.md) - [STEAM Education-Focused Franchises](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/challenge-island.md) - [Art-Focused STEAM Kits](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/robot-in-a-can.md) - [Youth-Focused Technology Programing](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nasa-space-apps-challenge1.md) - [Hybrid STEM Activity Kits](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/science-activity-kits.md) - [Mixed-Reality Theme Parks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mixedreality-theme-park.md) - [STEM Holiday Shops](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/holiday-gift-shop.md) - [Space-Exploring STEAM Toys](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/leapfrog.md) - [3D Game-Based Educational platforms](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/stemuli.md)