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    • Amusement Park Science

    Amusement Park Science

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    It’s summertime and we’re taking a virtual trip to the amusement park. But on this trip we’re combing fun and thrills with science, as we take a look at the physics behind your favorite theme park rides.

    		Amusement Park Science Resource Handout for Classroom or Homeschool: Just $2.00



    Amusement Park Physics4 stars

    The color scheme here is a bit hard to read, but if you persevere, you'll be rewarded with six science experiments to perform on amusement park rides, and two experiments for your local playground. Before embarking on this fun adventure, however, you will need a few tools: a stopwatch, and a vertical and horizontal accelerometer to measure acceleration. Luckily, simple instructions are provided on how to make your own accelerometers.

    Funderstanding Roller Coasters5 stars

    This Java-based roller coaster simulation lets you design a ride to "achieve maximum thrills and chills without crashing or flying off the track (unless that's how you like your coaster to work!)" You can vary the height of the hills, the size of the loop, the initial speed of the coaster, and its mass. Scroll down the page for explanations of the science behind the thrill. If you have any trouble with the applet, try reloading another copy into memory by hitting browser refresh.

    Physics of Amusement Parks5 stars

    Study the physics of falling, floating, and turning with animated lessons at my pick-of-the-day site from the Japan Virtual Science Center. Although all the sections are fabulous, my favorite was Thrills & Safety where I learned about clothoid curves in roller coasters and everyday life. Coney Island build the first circular loop-the-loop coaster in 1895. It's since been discovered that the elliptical shape of the clothoid curve causes fewer whiplash injuries because the increase in gravitational force is not as sudden. Complete your visit by taking the Physics Challenge Quiz.

    		Amusement Park Science Resource Handout for Classroom or Homeschool: Just $2.00



    Honorable Mentions

    The following links are either new discoveries or sites that didn't make it into my newspaper column because of space constraints. Enjoy!

    Science of the Amusement Park

    Thrill Ride: The Science of Fun


    Cite This Page

    Feldman, Barbara. "Amusement Park Science." Surfnetkids. Feldman Publishing. 21 Aug. 2002. Web. 9 Dec. 2025. <https://www.surfnetkids.com/resources/amusementpark/ >.


    About This Page

    By . Originally published August 21, 2002. Last modified August 21, 2002.

    Filed Under: More Science, Science

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