Science

Exploring Physics in Action: Year 12 Physics Students' Visit to Luna Park

Experiential learning is a cornerstone of effective education at Saint John's Regional College, especially in science and technology subjects, where practical application of theories enhances understanding. For the Year 12 Physics students, a visit to Luna Park provided a unique opportunity to observe and engage with fundamental concepts such as Newton's Laws, centripetal forces, circular motion, inclined planes, and collisions in a vibrant and entertaining environment. This excursion deepened their understanding of physics principles and allowed them to witness how they manifest in real-world scenarios, particularly amusement park attractions.

The visit began with an exploration of Newton's three laws of motion, which serve as the foundational principles governing all motion. Students could observe how these laws applied to various rides at Luna Park. For instance, the roller coasters vividly illustrated the concepts of inertia and acceleration as the cars transitioned from high speeds to sudden stops. Through observation and practical experimentation, students learned how forces act on objects in motion and how the mass of an object affects its acceleration. Discussions surrounding safety measures, such as seat belts and harnesses, illustrated the practical implications of understanding these laws.

Next, students gravitated toward circular motion rides, such as the Ferris wheel and the spinning rides. Here, they could observe centripetal forces at work, keeping riders safe as they navigated their circular paths. Hands-on activities allowed students to measure factors such as the radius, speed, and force required for circular motion, leading to a greater appreciation of the underlying physics. Additionally, they calculated the centripetal force acting on the riders, deepening their analytical skills and reinforcing theoretical knowledge through experiential learning.

Another pivotal aspect of the excursion involved examining inclined planes, where students investigated how height, angle, and friction impact motion. The iconic "Luna Park Scenic Railway" provided an excellent case study for understanding gravitational potential energy and kinetic energy transformation. As students observed the descent of the carriages, they could calculate energy conversions and understand the forces at play as the ride transitioned from higher to lower elevations. This hands-on experience solidified their grasp of energy principles, demonstrating how potential energy converts to kinetic energy as objects move along inclined planes.

The final area of the focus centred on collisions, particularly at rides that featured abrupt stops or interactions between moving carts. Students analyzed the dynamics of elastic and inelastic collisions, discussing real-world implications for safety measures in ride design. By measuring speeds and distances involved in collisions, they gained insight into momentum conservation and the importance of crumple zones in minimizing impact forces. This section of the excursion emphasized the theoretical aspects of collisions and the practical considerations that engineers must address when designing amusement park rides.

The visit to Luna Park was an enriching experience for students. Students could observe and analyse key physics concepts in real-time by engaging with various rides and attractions, leading to a memorable and impactful learning experience. Such excursions reinforce classroom learning and inspire students to appreciate the relevance of science in the world around them, paving the way for their future studies and endeavours in science and technology.