New for 2009

Curricular Activities

Planning Checklist

First Timers Checklist

Contests for 2009

Data Gathered 2009

Photos from 2009

Graph Matching Activity

Electronic Data Collection

FAQ's

Links

2009 PSM Days Map

Physics Day

Imagine 10,000 students at 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 Great America on Physics Day, Science Day or Math Day.

And all in the name of SCIENCE!

Students at Great America have one of the world's largest laboratories for carrying our real-world science experiments at their disposal. While on 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/Math Days lies in linking classroom theory with the reality of what happens on multiple-g rides like Vortex and Drop Tower. We trust that teachers will prepare their students to make the most out of the opportunity that is present at P/S/M Days. 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 2008-09

* While we could refer to any of these three special days as "Physics Day", schools decide to attend on a specific day for a variety of reasons. The three days are essentially identical and we encourage teachers to choose the date that works best for them.

Teacher Orientation - an opportunity to learn from the Teacher Steering Committee about what your students can do and learn at Physics/Science/Math Days. Teachers came to the park with up to 2 guests, took home good materials to use in their classes, and enjoyed the rides afterwards.

2009 Flyer for PSM Days - The flyer for the 2009 Physics/Science/Math Days that was mailed to teachers is available to download as two pdf files here. The first sheet is an, Information Sheet while the second sheet is the order form used to obtain tickets for P/S/M Days.
 

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 only to students and teachers for educational purposes. 26 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-ROM 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 Group Sales Department at 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.

IMPORTANT NOTICE

Students will continue to be able to collect data on the rides using electronic means. However, the park has banned the use of DataVest and Xplorer Vest at the park. See the notice that has been prepared on this subject.

What's new for 2009

Mars Lander Contest: We are unveiling a new contest for 2009. Students will construct a "Martian Lander" from balloons, straws, tape and sand. The Lander will carry an egg. When dropped from a height, the Lander must carry the egg without breaking it and also orient it with the pointy end upwards. A little more challenging than your standard Egg Drop Contest, and we expect students to have a lot of fun with it. The rules have been posted on the website. Have fun preparing!

Cardboard Boat and Race Contest: Great America is debuting a special contest for a limited number of groups. Using materials provided, construct a boat that will float one of your group members as they paddle across the Wave Pool in the shortest amount of time. This is a preview contest with an eye towards installing it as a larger competition in future years. The rules have been posted on the website. Have fun preparing!

NASA SPEAKERS: We are pleased to announce that we will be having NASA speakers at this year's Physics, Science, and Math Days! NASA will be doing an interactive presentation that you will not want to miss. Please find a way to incorporate this exciting presentation into your schedule.

May 8^th

Location: The Great America Theater
Time: 11:30 am-12:30pm

May 15^th

Location: The Great America Theater
Time: 11:00am-12:00pm and 2:00pm-3:00pm

Most Contest Rules: have been revised slightly for 2009. The 2009 versions have been posted. If you have questions, contact the webmaster.

What was new in 2008

Great America was officially re-named California's Great America as indicated on the logo above. After a year of transition, Great America is one of the strongest parks within the Cedar Fair family of theme parks.

Fire Fall took guests head-over-heels last season. This thrill ride takes 40 brave riders to a height of 60 feet, then subjects them to 360-degree vertical arcs as they twist, turn and spin through both fire and water effects. FireFall was manufactured by Huss of Germany and was the hottest ticket in 2008. Firefall will be in operation for P/S/M Days!

Flight Deck -- As the park changed over to Cedar Fair, some rides were re-named. The great ride we all know as Top Gun will henceforth be known as Flight Deck. It's the same ride, same theming, just a new name. This goes along with the re-naming of Revolution to HMB Endeavor. We will try to keep up with changes like these as we move along. The ride's the same, but the name is new. Drop Zone has been re-named Drop Tower! Same thrills and good physics.

CD-ROM: The Physics Day Teacher Committee produces the complete printed packet of activities, much of the information and a host of additional resources on a CD for 2009. The worksheets are included in MS Word, PDF and HTML format so you can either browse, print or modify as needed for your students.