By Mehreen Alamgir, Staff Writer
Instead of bubbling in answers on a Scantron or solving problems in silence, Juniors in Mr. Serrano’s AP Physics class at River Hill High School took their final exam at Six Flags America this year. In small groups of 3–4 students, students rode roller coasters, filmed videos and used real-life experiences to connect amusement park rides to past AP Physics free-response questions.
Each group chose a different ride and used it to model the physics concepts they had learned throughout the year. They filmed themselves during the ride, recorded data like ride height and speed and later matched their experience to a specific FRQ from a previous AP exam from past years. The final product included a video presentation and a written explanation of the physics behind the ride.
Junior Hanna Mulugeta, who worked with her group on the Superman Ride of Steel, said the ride was a perfect match for their chosen problem. “We focused on energy conservation and circular motion,” she said. “It was actually really cool to feel the G-forces and then go back and calculate them.” Students spent the day rotating between rides and gathering data. They used apps to track speed and elevation and discussed their ideas in real-time. Back at school, they edited their videos and worked together to connect what they experienced to the concepts they’d been studying all year.
Another student, junior Ava Callahan, chose the Mind Eraser coaster with her group. “It had all the elements like different loops, inversions, sudden turns,” she said. “We related it to a problem about centripetal force and acceleration. It’s one thing to read about it, but when you’re hanging upside down, it sticks with you.” Letting each student pick their own ride makes the project more fun and personal, which can help them stay more interested and excited. Many students had their own experience and this unique final was a way to publicize their intelligence.
Everyone learns in different ways, so picking their own ride lets them work in a way that suits them. “I want my students to remember physics as something exciting,” said Mr. Serrano. “This isn’t just about passing a test, it’s about understanding how the world works.” Students felt more proud of their work when they chose and built it themselves.
For the juniors who spent their final exam at Six Flags, the combination of adrenaline and academics made for a memorable experience. And for many, it was the first time they saw physics not just as homework but as something they could ride. This unique experience was different from past final exams for students, marking it as not only a fun, but memorable day.