On Friday, April 25, over two hundred AP Physics and Physics students will go to Six Flags for an annual field trip. While at the amusement park, students will not only enjoy the rides, but also apply the knowledge that they have gained over the past two semesters to examine how certain areas of physics apply to the function of different rollercoasters.

While roaming Six Flags, students will learn about the physics behind their favorite roller coasters like the Batman, The Boss and Screaming Eagle. The trip helps students learn even more about physics besides what they would usually learn in the classroom.

 “Amusement park rides are ideal applications of physics principles. The reason that they are fun and exhilarating is that they move in ways we don’t usually in everyday life and our bodies’ response to this ‘non-traditional motion’ can lead to a more intuitive sense of physics concepts,” Ryan Bixby, physics teacher and trip coordinator, said.

Juniors and seniors are each given a packet to fill out throughout the day to help them learn more about the physics behind their favorite roller coasters. The students will make measurements and calculations based on their experiences on the rides, all while students have a fun and memorable experience. The major point of the trip is to help junior and senior students learn and have fun all in the same day.

“I’m hoping to gain a better understanding of how Physics applies to the modern world and to learn more about the physics behind rollercoasters,” junior Natalie Harshman said.