Rollercoasterology

The Department of Physics and Astronomy (PHAS) would like to help Calgary science teachers get their students excited about physics. For the past few years a collaboration with Calaway Park has sparked "Rollercoasterology". This is a day-long 'field trip' to Calaway Park to study the math, forces, and physics of amusement park rides. Workbooks for the 2010 Rollercoasterology days are available on the Rollercoasterology website. Following the workbooks, students make simple measurements (and ride the rides) and determine various aspects of these amazing machines.

The workbooks come in two varieties: a Jr. Workbook appropriate for students studying the concepts of simple machines, forces, and geometry, and a Sr. Workbook appropriate for students studying Newton's laws, acceleration, and energy. These latest workbooks will feature an analysis of the latest Calaway Park ride - The Storm. The actual days when Calaway Park will be hosting Rollercoasterology are announced in the middle of February. Historically, the dates are near the end of May and early June.

If your high school students like to go the 'extra mile', you can have them write the Rollercoaster-ology exam. The department will distribute the exam to you, and have them graded after you invigilate and return them. Students who participate in the exam will earn a U of C mini-degree in Rollercoasterology, at the BSc, MSc, or PhD level. For more details, visit the Rollercoasterology website. Contact Calaway Park for booking details.