High school students in Calgary had a unique educational experience as they traded classrooms for rollercoasters at Calaway Park. The park, located just west of Calgary, hosted around 1,900 students for a physics and science day in partnership with the University of Calgary.

The event aimed to blend fun and education, allowing students to earn a ‘rollercoasterology’ mini degree. Bob Williams, the general manager of Calaway Park, expressed excitement about combining amusement park thrills with academic lessons.

Students engaged in hands-on learning by answering questions in workbooks that incorporated math, science, and physics concepts based on the park’s rides. For instance, the Vortex rollercoaster demonstrated principles of gravity and physics as it navigated loops and came to a stop without an engine.

Zana, one of the participating students, highlighted the practical application of classroom knowledge in real-life scenarios. The annual science and physics day at Calaway Park has been a tradition for over a decade, providing an interactive learning opportunity outside traditional classroom settings.

From exploring the dynamics of rollercoasters to understanding the forces of motion, students immersed themselves in a day of education and excitement at the amusement park. The innovative approach to learning received positive feedback from both students and educators, emphasizing the importance of hands-on experiences in academic development.