Theme Parks are a thrilling attraction and fit perfectly into an itinerary but did you know that many now offer educational components as well? For schools, this is an added bonus to enrich your curriculum while keeping the trip fun and entertaining.
STEM programs (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) can be found in many major theme parks and provide hands-on learning experiences for students of all ages. These programs often integrate STEM concepts with the excitement of rides and attractions, making learning fun and engaging. For example, students can explore the physics of roller coasters, learn the building and engineering concepts behind ride design, and learn about all the newest technology that goes into daily theme park operations. Students will get to test out the laws of physics on thrilling coasters, learn about the robotics that go into creating ride animatronics or go behind the scenes with an engineer to see how they bring attractions to life with science and technology. STEM programs are offered at a variety of major theme parks including Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Universal Orlando, Universal Hollywood, SeaWorld and Six Flags Theme parks.
Both Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando offer their STEM programs during the entire year. Programs can be tailored specifically to each group based on your current curriculum. With each program students will work with engineers as they explore what it takes to design and execute an attraction including using Newton’s 3 laws of motion, gravity, and potential and kinetic energy. Collaborate with your peers in creative problem-solving scenarios, participate in brainstorming sessions to design a new attraction, and learn how science is used in every element of the theme park experience.
Six Flags offers select STEM program days on select days throughout the school year. STEM days are strictly for student groups and provide hands-on learning experiences. Students will explore concepts like motion, energy and forces through interactive experiments, presentations by engineers and scientists and behind the scenes tours. Six Flags provides resources like workbooks, lesson plans, and post-visit guides to help teachers integrate the park experience into their curriculum.
Conservation-focused programs, such as those at SeaWorld, aim to educate students on protecting the environment and wildlife. Go behind the scenes to learn about marine ecosystems, animal care and conservation efforts. SeaWorld offers a variety of educational programs from field trips, educational presentations with animal encounters, overnight camps and even a 74-hour training program if your interest is becoming a zookeeper or animal technician.
Planning a theme park trip can be rewarding for both students and educators. UR Tours and Events can help you select the right STEM program for your group to ensure it aligns with classroom goals. This planning can maximize the benefits of the trip and make it an unforgettable and fun learning experience.
