A popular destination for end-of-year class trips or summer camp outings, amusement parks can also put classroom concepts into real-life perspective. These educational experiences emphasize learning while doing, so expect fast-paced thrills and hands-on programs that keep kids engaged as they study school subjects.
Math and Science
At amusement parks, students can test physical science and physics concepts or determine the speed of zooming rollercoasters through self-guided activities. Parks offer expert presentations about the science behind rides or groups can conduct controlled experiments.
Some parks offer dedicated math and science days.
• Hersheypark: Math Day, Physics Day, Science Day, May 4, 10 & 17, 2012, respectively. Guides are available for trips on other days of your choice.
• Morey’s Piers: Education Days, May 30-31 & June 1
• Sesame Place: CSI: Club of Science Investigators, Fridays in May
• Six Flags Great Adventure: Physics, Math & Science Days, Fridays, April 27-May 25. Exclusively open for education groups on April 27. Physics Teacher Workshop, April 21.
Animal & Environmental Studies
Biology programs at Six Flags Great Adventure focus on animal studies at the on-site Wild Safari zoo. Beachfront Morey’s Piers brings in ecology experts from the Jersey shore’s Wetlands Institute to teach students about marine life during Education Days.
Theater & Communications
Get a behind-the-scenes look at how amusement parks create, implement or promote entertainment experiences at Hersheypark, Morey’s Piers and Six Flags Great Adventure during designated program days. Students can see how make-up art transforms actors into characters, watch stage show rehearsals, ask a choreographer questions or listen to presentations from marketing staff.
Stephanie Halinski is calendar editor of MetroKids.
