A popular use of our sensors and LabPro or CBL 2 is collecting data at amusement parks. The most commonly used sensors are the Low-g Accelerometer, 3-Axis Accelerometer, and Barometer. The accelerometers are used to measure the accelerations experienced in rides, and the Barometer is used to measure relative heights. We have two new guides to help you with this type of data collection. Data Collection at the Amusement Park is a manual written by Clarence Bakken, a physics teacher at Gunn HS in Palo Alto, CA. Clarence has been collecting data at amusement parks since 1995. Much of the manual is built around his use of our equipment at Paramount’s Great America Physics Day in Santa Clara, CA. He provides specific instruction on the use of sensors, Logger Pro computer software, and the DataMate or Physics calculator programs. This manual can be downloaded free from our web site.

Another source of information is Amusement Park Physics by Nathan Unterman, a physics teacher at Glenbrook North HS, IL. This new book provides a wealth of information about planning an amusement park study program in your classroom. The book comes complete with student sheets for activities that can be performed at amusement parks or carnivals. The selection of activities is large enough that you can pick activities specific to your situation. Traditional equipment (such as spring accelerometers) and technology-based equipment (such as our accelerometer) are both discussed. Activities and sample data are provided for those who do not have access to an amusement park. The book includes tips on managing amusement park field trips.

Amusement Park Physics .... APP .... $21.95