Physics, Science & Math Days
@ California's Great America
2012

Physics, Science & Math Days

Imagine 10,000 students at California's Great America, armed with worksheets, calculators and accelerometers, all taking part in one of the largest physics lab activities in the world - Amusement Park Physics.

Where can the experimenter step into the experiment and subject him/herself to forces in excess of 3 G's? Where can they experience zero-G and live to tell the tale? Where can they verify the PHYSICS they've been learning all year long? Where else but at California's Great America on Physics, Science, and Math Days.

Students at California's Great America have access to one of the world's largest laboratories for carrying our real-world science experiments. While on the rides, they experience a dizzying array of forces. Where did they feel which kind of force? And ultimately, why did they feel those particular forces there?

The beauty of Physics, Science and Math Days lies in linking classroom theory with the reality of what happens on multiple-g rides like Vortex and Drop Tower. We encourage teachers to prepare their students to make the most out of the opportunity that is present at Physics, Science and Math Days. Choose quality activities that will engage them and help them to learn more about the science behind their amusement park experience. That is why we've prepared this website and why we produce the CD-ROM that is jam-packed with activities, hints, tips and suggestions.

 Dates for 2011-12

Information for 2012 is now posted on the California's Great America (CGA) website. Click here for a direct link.

You can download the order form on this website or on the CGA website. In short,  the pricing for tickets purchased prior to April 6 will be $24. Purchases after April 6 will be $26. As usual, one comp ticket will be given per 15 paid tickets. Students with season passes will pay a $10 "lab fee".

2012 Teacher Orientation will be September 8 at a school in Alameda. Teachers who attend will a complimentary pass to California's Great America. The program, a series of workshops for new and experienced teachers, will be planned and presented by members of the Teacher Steering Committee including your webmaster. More information later.

We are also planning to have an extension of the Teacher Orientation on September 22 at Great America. Several members of the Steering Committee will be present to discuss and demonstrate activities for teachers and students, collect and interpret data, and answer questions that people may have. It's also an opportunity for teachers to take photos and video for use in their classes throughout the year. People who attend Sept. 8 will have a complimentary pass they can use on the 22nd.

A Brief History

Physics Day at Great America was started in 1983 by Don Rathjen from Foothill High School. Initially, he brought his physics students to the park on a normal operating day. In the second year, he brought three other teachers and their physics students to Great America, armed with accelerometers and calculators to study the physics behind roller coasters.

Over the years, Physics Day grew until the park opened up on a non-operating day, exclusively for physics students. The number of students grew, and the number of middle school science students attending the park had also grown. Two separate days were scheduled, one for high school physics, the other for middle school science. In 1995, a third day was added to accommodate math students who explore applications of mathematics in the real world.

Physics Day, now Physics, Science & Math Days, has been in continuous operation since 1983. It's one of the only special days of its type where the park is open just for students and teachers for educational purposes. 29 years and going strong!

A steering committee of physics, science and math teachers develops materials that are published for students and teachers, including these web pages and a CD of resources for teachers and students. The committee works closely with the park to improve these special days, and conducts an annual Teacher Orientation. The Special Events Department at California's Great America works hard to make these days a success for teachers and students from throughout Northern California and as far north as British Columbia, Canada.

What's new?

Last year Snoopy and the Peanuts gang arrived at California's Great America to call it home. Please see below some updated name changes for rides. They are the same rides as before, just new name and coat of paint.

Follow the link below to learn more about the contests and activities that will be conducted during Physics/Science/Math Days in 2012. These rules are now final so your practice can begin in earnest.