| There are many opportunities in Ohio for students to | | | | students to environmental sciences by being bordered |
| discover scientific principles outside of a classroom | | | | in the north by one of the five Great Lakes. A field trip |
| setting. By showing students how science is all around | | | | to Lake Erie not only allows students a chance to |
| them, it can become more than just a subject that | | | | appreciate the importance and value of this lake to |
| they have to study, and something that they can | | | | their state, but can also provide firsthand experience to |
| become excited about discovering. | | | | learn more about erosion, weather, effects of pollution, |
| The key to getting students excited about science is | | | | and marine studies. |
| tying the scientific lessons into something that they are | | | | The COSI museum in Toledo and the Great Lakes |
| already excited about...amusement parks. Ohio is home | | | | Science Center in Cleveland are two of the premier |
| to some of the most popular amusement parks in the | | | | science education centers in Ohio. These science |
| world, and is also one of the states with the most roller | | | | centers are popular field trip destinations for both |
| coasters. Every school in Ohio is within a 3 hour drive | | | | elementary and middle schools in Ohio. The hands-on |
| an amusement park and an opportunity to get | | | | displays allow students to discover real-world |
| students excited about science. | | | | demonstrations of common scientific principles. The |
| The roller coasters and rides at amusement parks | | | | activities at these science centers also encourage the |
| offer opportunities for students to experience | | | | application of the scientific method by engaging |
| Newton's Laws of Motion, affects of gravity, and | | | | students to develop their own hypothesis and |
| principles of physics that they are studied. Many Ohio | | | | conclusion as they conduct their own mini science |
| amusement parks, like Cedar Point in Sandusky, Ohio, | | | | "experiments". |
| host "Physics Days" where they invite schools to visit | | | | The science centers also offer special programs, |
| and conduct physics "experiments" on their rides. As | | | | classroom literature, and live demonstrations that can |
| part of these special field trip days, the amusement | | | | help science teachers focus the student's experience |
| parks offer worksheets, and activities for students to | | | | to specific science curriculum topics such as motion, |
| complete as the visit the park. The activities are | | | | energy, chemistry, and light and sound. A list of |
| designed to coordinate with both elementary and | | | | available school science programs can be obtained by |
| middle school science curriculum. Science teachers can | | | | contacting the field trip / group sales coordinators at |
| call the park and request a complete information | | | | the science centers. When talking with the |
| package about the science education programs, as | | | | coordinators, be sure to also ask about any discounts |
| well as discount admission pricing that will be available | | | | or financial assistance that may be available to your |
| to your school group. | | | | Ohio school. |
| The state of Ohio has a unique opportunity to expose | | | | |