Children to have fun with physics lessons on roller coasters

Abu Dhabi Pupils across the UAE who find physics lessons difficult to crack will have a new opportunity to have fun with the same.

Grade 6 to 12 pupils from both public and private schools can learn tough physics theories while entertaining themselves on roller coasters at Ferrari World, an amusement park on Yas Island in Abu Dhabi. The free-of-cost voluntary programme open for Abu Dhabi schools this year will be extended to schools across the nation next year onwards.

The educational initiative titled “Coaster Lab” will impart practical applications of physics in an entertaining manner that may inspire pupils to develop career ambitions in the amusement park industry, it was announced here at a press conference yesterday (Wednesday).

The programme aims to create excitement and trigger interest in the subjects and concepts integral to roller coaster design, such as energy conversion, hydraulic launch systems, aerodynamics and gravitational force.

The programme will be developed and managed by Ferrari World Abu Dhabi in partnership with the UAE Ministry of Education and Abu Dhabi Education Council (Adec).

Primarily focusing on the physics of roller coasters, this programme is congruent with Abu Dhabi’s 2030 strategic vision and its efforts to spread Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) based education initiatives in the country. The awareness about the theme park industry could possibly prepare Emirati pupils for lucrative careers within the industry, officials said.

Adec will send a circular to all schools after the Eid holidays, inviting their interest to the voluntary programme. Ferrari World executives will visit the interested schools and coordinate with teachers and pupils for further steps.

The programme will train students from participating schools on the basic principles of physics that govern the operation of a roller coaster and then escalate to higher level concepts, immersing them in the intensive engineering facets of modern-day roller-coaster design. The coursework is designed to facilitate maximum learning outcomes by way of a balanced theory-practical curriculum, and empower students to improve their skills at problem solving, teamwork, and communication, in addition to analytical and creative thinking in an environment that fosters maximum creativity and challenges the norms.

The initiative will culminate in an inter-school competition with entries from participating schools being judged by a panel of industry experts on the most crucial design dynamics that favour modern roller-coaster design, sustainability and practicality.

It is part of new pedagogies used by Adec to shift from the traditional style of education to an interactive mode, Salama Al Amimi, Executive Director of the Organisational Development and Excellence Office, said.

Mike Oswald, general manager of Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, said this initiative will not only generate tremendous employment potential but also motivate and educate the bright young minds in the nation.

The ministry has been taking similar initiatives for pupils such as organising visits to book fairs, said Salam Khamis Al Hosani, a deputy manager at the Ministry of Education.

By Binsal Abdul Kader Staff Reporter

From: www.zawya.com

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