Physics, Science, and Math Days at Great America

Elementary through high school students from throughout the western United States will experience hands-on learning in a theme park setting when their textbooks come to life during Physics, Science and Math Days at Paramount’s Great America May 2, 9, and 16.

Paramount’s Great America is the only theme park in California to offer three exclusive education days to teachers and students. The park will virtually transform into a hands-on learning lab where students can apply classroom theories, solve math problems and perform group and individual assignments that require using the rides in the park to complete. The park is open exclusively to teachers and students from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. the first three Fridays in May during Physics, Science and Math Days.

Activities include the 3rd Annual Roller Coaster Building Contest where students (grades 5-8 and 9-12) design their own working model roller coasters using basic materials such as wood, wire, toothpicks and cardboard. Coasters are tested using a marble on the track. See the winning coasters pass the “gravity test” as the marbles twist and turn their way to victory. The coaster models are judged by park engineers, professional volunteers and American Coaster Enthusiasts in the areas of “technical merit,” “theme and creativity” and “most exciting to ride.”

Teams of students will also test the laws of gravity and strategize the best use of drinking straws in the 5th Annual Egg Dropping Contest. Students must create the perfect cushioned package for their egg using only 20 drinking straws and 60 centimeters of cellophane tape! See which teams “crack” under pressure as they drop eggs from a height of 20-feet and compete for T-shirts and park tickets.

Plus, students will experience the laws of physics first-hand as they ride several of Paramount’s Great America’s many rides, including Top Gun, Stealth, and Drop Zone. Students will test the speed and forces of the park’s roller coasters using a CBL (calculator-based laboratories) accelerometer, a wearable computer that is strapped on to each student before they board the coaster.

Intel Museum, The Tech Museum of Innovation, Mad Science and a number of community and business supporters will be at the park hosting interactive exhibits to encourage fun and the exploration of science.

For the first time ever in 2003, Physics, Science and Math Days, is available to upper elementary students (grades 3 - 5). On May 9, these students will be solving problems based on rides in Nickelodeon Central, a new expanded area for kids.

Students attending Physics, Science and Math Days receive a packet with specific problems to complete. The packets were designed and created by teachers who volunteered their time and service on a steering committee to make this event possible for the students. For more information or to register, call 408-986-5853 or visit Great America website