Hawthorne High School physics and calculus classes took a trip to Six Flags, in Jackson NJ, for a day of fun and learning on May 4, 2012.

More than 80 students from both classes and their teachers, Michael Davidson and Cheryl Smith, took two buses amusement park on that Friday morning.  “The two hour drive was well worth it,” Mathew Fenkart said. “Spending the day at Six Flags was obviously fun, but learning about how the roller coasters work was pretty cool too.” Fenkart, like all the other students involved, was very excited to be part of the trip.

The teachers focused on instructing the students throughout the day. There were many other students there as well for the same reason, some even having instruments to help them see the force of the rides. “Roller coasters are a great way to explain aspects of Physics,” Michael Davidson said, the Honors, AP and regular physics teacher. “Whenever you can mix education and fun, the students will enjoy and be enthusiastic to learn.”

Davidson said he was excited to see that the classes were able to go this year. “We didn’t get enough students to sign up last year and we didn’t end up going but this year we had well over 80 students and the buses were paid for so we were set to go,” Davidson said. “Hopefully the same happens for the following years.”

The buses left at 8 a.m. on that cloudy morning, with students hoping it wouldn’t rain and ruin their day. As soon as they got there, the sun started to shine through and the day was ready to go.  Park was mostly filled with only other students from schools thus the lines weren’t as long as a usual busy day.