On Saturday, April 25th, the Science National Honor Society at Marco Island Academy had the opportunity to visit Hollywood Studios, one of Disney’s four popular parks. Students who are a part of the club take this trip every other year in order to learn about the physics behind some of the roller coasters located there. This year, club members were split into three groups, and each had their own park employee guide them behind the scenes of some of their most popular roller coasters before getting to ride the famous Hollywood Tour Hotel.
The Science National Honor Society is a club for students who excel and have an interest in STEM. Students are invited to join their Junior year and decide whether they would like to continue their senior year. The advisor of this club, Mr. Swope, has helped fundraise for this trip alongside the student board members. Since this event is in fact fundraised, it only takes place every other year. Swope says, “It was great having the support of the Bargain Basket and The United Church of Marco Island. I hope some year we will be able to give students the trip for free.”
The day of the trip was an early rise for all. Considering the park is located in Orlando, Florida, this is roughly a four-hour drive from Marco Island. Members had to be on the bus by 3:25 am to leave by 3:30 am. The early hours gave students who needed rest got to sleep the entire bus ride there. This gave them the chance to arrive at the park as it opened, and that way made the best of the day. They made their way out as the park doors began closing at 10:00 pm. Just like the way there, the way back gave students the chance to rest, especially after such a long day before arriving at M.I.A at about 2:00 am.
The workshop itself took place in the first two hours of the trip. All three employees took each of their groups behind the scenes of the park, where students were able to visit the offices where the theme park ideas come to life. Employees made sure to make it interactive for students by playing educational games. For example, there was a round of heads up using scientific words like ‘inertia’ and ‘velocity’.
Although there was no winning team, students still found the experience very exciting. The workshop finished with the employee taking members to the park’s famous ride, the Hollywood Tour Hotel – most commonly known as the Tower of Terror. Each group took their turn screaming at the top of their lungs every time the fast drop took place. Even through the fear, everybody loved the ride and didn’t think twice before going on it again.
Overall, this was an unforgettable experience for all. Club member, Ines Martinez, said, “As a first timer at Hollywood Studios, this is the best first impression I could have ever imagined.” Not only did this serve as a fun trip, but it was educational as well. Members now understand just how complex roller coasters are. It is not just metal rods and wood put together; science and physics play a great role, if not the largest.
