Danny Kaplan

What scientific principle is at work in every theme park ride the Imagineers create? It's Energy. The Imagineers reveal the role energy plays in popular theme park attractions such as Epcot's Test Track and The Mad Tea Party. Students will learn that energy is the ability to do work and that energy is constantly being transferred from one thing to another. They will also identify the difference between potential and kinetic energy and be able to establish examples and benefits of renewable energy.

What is the force that puts the thrill in thrill rides? Gravity, of course! One of the biggest challenges for Imagineers in designing theme park attractions, like Disney's Rockin' Roller Coaster and The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror, is figuring out the best way to work with--and sometimes against--gravity's constant 1G force. Students learn to define gravity and explain the relationship between gravity, mass, and distance. Best of all, they will be able to apply an understanding of forces to explain the feeling of weightlessness on a roller coaster ride. Cool!

What powers some of the brightest attractions at Disney's theme parks? Electricity! From lighting the half million bulbs in Magic Kingdom's Spectromagic parade to transmitting electricity through water for the Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage, Disney Imagineers show students how electricity brings some of their favorite rides to life. Students will learn the definitions of source, load, conductor, watts, as well as static electricity and its connection to lightning rods aboard the Disney Magic cruise ship.

Newton's Three Laws on Motion are at work in virtually every Disney theme park ride and attraction. The Walt Disney Imagineers demonstrate how they use Newton's Three Laws to create some of the most exciting ride experiences possible. From the thrilling rockets of California Adventure's Golden Zephyr to the wild twists of California Screamin', students will learn to define acceleration, friction and motion. Best of all, they'll be able to see first-hand the relationship between the motion of objects and the forces that act on them.