Free entry for registered students and chaperones is from 10:00 until 2:00 pm. The rides will start at 11:00. However the students should use the time before the rides open to make measurements of distances on the rides. In some cases that will be the only- and frequently the best - opportunity.
Please come to the USC Department of Physics computer center located in the WLTX tent when you arrive. Check-in with Dr. Jones, get your groupÕs photo made, and take a look at Prof. BlanpiedÕs physics demonstrations. Students and teachers should make use of the tee-shirted Midway Physics Mentors and the people in the center to get the most out of Midway Physics Day. There will be Mentors with laptop computers on the Midway once the rides begin.
This booklet is intended to get you started. It is written so that you can skip around in it, using what you want. For more information use your textbooks, amusement park books, and the Internet.
When you go to the Fair, look for physics examples not given here. There are lots of examples of physics in addition to the forces, velocities, and accelerations. Take note of how electricity, magnetism and optics play a part in making the Midway a fun and interesting place. And finally, to ensure a fun, safe time for all, please make sure that anything carried onto a ride is firmly attached to the rider.
For more information on Midway Physics Day and other outreach programs sponsored by the University of South Carolina Department of Physics and Astronomy, please visit our web page at http://www.physics.sc.edu/ or contact:
Dr. Rudy Jones
Department of Physics and Astronomy
University of South Carolina
Columbia, SC 29208
rjones@sc.edu
803 - 777 - 6714