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 'Fun With Physics' New Educational Program for 201010/23/2009
MIDDLEBURY, Conn. – Middle and elementary school students will have the opportunity to learn firsthand about the scientific properties of popular amusement rides in a new program being launched by Quassy Amusement Park for 2010. “Fun With Physics at Quassy Amusement Park” is a workbook containing more than 30 pages of educational projects incorporating many of the mechanical rides at the lakeside park. The recently-completed project was coordinated through and approved by the American Association of Physics Teachers (AAPT) in College Park, Md. “Students who think about and experience physics in the park develop a deeper understanding of the principles taught in the classroom,” noted Dr. Warren W. Hein, executive officer of AAPT. “By becoming part of the laboratory equipment, the students experience the excitement of understanding and learning along with the enjoyment of the rides.” The Quassy project was designed for students to work individually or in teams as they go to various rides, making observations and calculations. “After receiving a request from some faculty members to create such an educational program, we embarked on a mission to do just that,” said George Frantzis II, a co-owner of the 102-year-old amusement park. “This workbook not only complements our existing educational programs, but provides a comprehensive learning experience like never before offered at Quassy,” Frantzis added. Day Of Learning The pamphlet outlines goals and objectives, contains pre-trip activities and numerous in-park projects for middle and elementary school students. The booklet will be provided in advance via e-mail or on a compact disc to schools scheduling educational fieldtrips. “There are enough projects outlined in the booklet to fill an entire day,” the park official added. “Or, some faculty members may select only a handful of experiments to complete. The flexibility to pick as little or as much as you want makes this a very attractive educational tool.” Students will learn about roller coaster and bumper car physics, giant pendulums, spinning wheels and hydraulics. Calculating speeds and other math problems are also part of the self-guided project. Teachers can duplicate the pages they want completed during their park visit. For more information about AAPT visit www.aapt.org. Other Educational Offerings Quassy Amusement Park offers a variety of free educational programs for schools. Among the offerings: · “Wacky Science” - A 30-minute interactive stage presentation guaranteed to educate as well as entertain. Students uncork some “Wacky Science” experiments to tease the eyes and mind. · “Commotion About Motion” – A popular guided walking tour with a handful of experiments for classes on a tight schedule. · “History Tour” – Behind-The-Scenes look at Quassy Amusement Park, which is one of only 11 remaining “trolley parks” still operating in the United States. · “ABCs About News” – Workshop where students become reporters and learn to write a news story. · “Student Photo Essay Contest” – Digital cameras as prizes for elementary, middle and high schools. · “Art In The Park” – Sidewalk art competition in late May with divisions for elementary, middle and high schools. · “School Music Festival” – Annual June event featuring elementary, middle and high school bands, choruses, orchestras. · “Roller Coaster Model Contest” – Built it and they will come to see it operate. Divisions for elementary, middle and high schools. Late spring. Schools wishing to book educational fieldtrips should call the Quassy office at 203-758-2913 ext. 105. For more information about Quassy Amusement Park visit www.quassy.com. Quassy Amusement Park features more than two-dozen rides and attractions, including “Saturation Station,” a state-of-the-art interactive water play area. The park also has a redemption arcade, restaurant, entertainment, games, beach and boats on Lake Quassapaug. --30— With Photo Getting Into The Swing Of Things Education soars to new heights at Quassy Amusement Park in Middlebury, Conn., in 2010 as the park launches “Fun With Physics,” a booklet containing numerous projects students can complete while touring the lakeside property. Shown here is the “Yo-Yo” Super Swing, which is the subject of a number of projects in the pamphlet. (Quassy photo)
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