A group of about 20 eighth-grade students flew to Florida and took part in the Physics of Disney Parks workshop. Scholars learned about the physics behind two iconic Disney roller coasters: the Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster and The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror™. After learning more about each ride and solving physics problems, scholars got to experience both rides, feeling the physics in action.
North Dayton Music Teacher Caroline Tucker helped lead the trip and said that while scholars had fun, education was infused throughout.
Scholars were learning with every stop whether they were learning the physics of the Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster or seeing wildlife up close on a safari ride.
“We were there for five days and got to go to all of the parks,” Tucker said. “At EPCOT, we rode rides about ecosystems and how food grows. There was another ride where they ‘went to space’ and had stuff like zero gravity. It was really cool.”
One of these educational endeavors was a safari ride through Animal Kingdom. Scholars got to see live exotic animals such as: antelopes, rhinos, crocodiles, elephants, gazelles, hippos, lions, and zebras. Tucker said that during their ride, a rhino ran up next to their vehicle, giving scholars an unforgettable moment with nature.
Throughout the five-day trip, scholars sharpened their Moral Focus skills. With an increased amount of independence, students had to use self-control, and they put their perseverance to the test with the amount of walking involved – Tucker said that the group walked about 60 miles in total.
During this safari ride, music teacher Caroline Tucker said a rhino ran alongside their vehicle, making for an unforgettable moment.
One relationship-building game also became popular while scholars were waiting for rides. Students learned a hand game from a chaperone that kept them occupied while they waited.
“Instead of the students being on their phones all the time in line, they were challenging each other,” Tucker said. “They would challenge me or the other teachers. You knew our group was in the line because all you could hear is students playing this hand game. It made us a tight-knit group.”
With these kinds of bonding experiences, it should come as no surprise North Dayton has outperformed the local district for the last four years.
One of the group’s favorite ways to connect was through a hand game scholars would play while waiting in line for rides.
Scholars enjoyed each aspect of the trip but had the most fun at the Physics of Disney workshop. Tucker said she was proud of her scholars for their hard work and positive attitudes, and she is excited to lead the trip again in the future.
Way to create lasting memories, Mrs. Tucker and North Dayton!
Check out a school near you!
About North Dayton School of Discovery
North Dayton School of Discovery is a tuition-free, public charter school in Dayton, Ohio, serving students in kindergarten through eighth grade. It is part of the National Heritage Academies (NHA®) network, which includes more than 100 tuition-free, public charter schools serving more than 65,000 students in kindergarten through 12th grade across nine states. For more information, visit nhaschools.com.
Visit North Dayton School of Discovery's blog to read more stories like this.