Independent Site Visits 10th Grade:
Six Flags Great Adventure Theme Park (NJ)
Grade
Level: 10 - 12
Learning Standard: SAT II or AP
Time Requirements: 2 periods pre-visit, 1 period post visit
Topics Covered: kinematics, forces, centripetal force, kinetic and
potential energy
Pre-Visit:
Class 1:
The purpose of this trip is to give students practical experience in many
of the physics concepts discussed in mechanics, such as free fall, centripetal
force and energy transformations. Calculations and qualitative
observations are both possible. Calculations exercise the analytical methods
used in physics. Qualitative observations inform the kinesthetic connection
students have with physical processes, an important source of intuitive knowledge
used to guide subsequent problem solving. Review of applications of
kinematics equations, centripetal force
calculations and changes from potential to kinetic energy.
Class 2:
Construction of vertical and horizontal accelerometers (materials and directions
in Amusement Park Physics)
Visit:
Students working in groups ride as many rides as they wish making measurements,
approximations and observations on at least three.
Measurements are of two kinds:
a) physical characteristics of the ride such as height of roller coaster,
radius of circular ride, tangential velocity of circular motion, linear velocity
of straight line motion.
b) Measurements of acceleration when riding on the ride
Observations include qualitative descriptions of what was felt on each ride,
such as where one felt the "heaviest."
Calculations should be made and compared with the directly measured quantities
when possible.
Post Visit:
Discussion of:
how well measured and calculated quantities correlated
difficulties encountered in making measurements or approximations
qualitative experiences - what was felt on the various rides.
Assignment: Written report on the rides analyzed. Design
of roller coaster experiment for class groups.
Assessment: Written report and
roller coaster design project.
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