Seeing Physics in Action at Canada's Wonderland

The field trip included a number of hands-on activities focusing on observations, calculations and problem solving scenarios within the amusement park context. Working in groups of three, the students collected data for a specific ride, including such well-known rides as the Behemoth, Dragon Fire, the Mighty Canadian Minebuster, the Vortex, the Wild Beast and Flight Deck, Orbiter and Nightmare. This data included heights, distances and times, which they used to calculate speed, force, energy and power. Grade 12 students also analyzed the circular rides and looked at circular acceleration and force. Afterward, the students had a chance to put their knowledge to the test by designing their own rollercoaster to propose to Wonderland.

These interactive learning activities are developed by Wonderland in accordance with current Ontario teaching curriculum standards. Up to twenty or thirty other schools participate in Physics Day and work through similar activities. To learn more about the educational programming at Wonderland, visit www.canadaswonderland.com/youth-sales/physics-science-math-days.

“It’s a really great review of all the concepts from the first and second term,” says physics teacher Emma Seaborn. “It was a lovely sunny day and everyone had a good time!”