A Few Days of Physics Fun!
Syoni Revollo
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What are Physics Days at Valleyfair?
Physics Days is an event at Valleyfair hosted each year in the spring where schools from across Minnesota and Wisconsin come to the park to learn about how physics works in the real world at Valleyfair, as well as in their daily lives. Each teacher comes up with questions related to physics and the rides at Valleyfair for their students to answer. There is also the Milk Carton Boat Race at Breakers Bay Wave Pool where students get to make their own boat out of hundreds of milk cartons while learning how physics plays into the flotation of the boat. It’s an all-around fun hands-on learning experience!
Who came up with the idea of doing Physics Days?
Steve Ethen, the founder and main event organizer, started Physics Days in the '90s because he knew that other amusement parks had a similar event. It originally started out on Saturdays where about 25 schools would attend but since students often worked on Saturday, he changed it to a weekday so students could come during school hours. It also began as just one day but progressed into three days so many different students and teachers could attend from all over the Upper Midwest region.
Who is Steve Ethen?
Steve Ethen is a retired physics teacher from Burnsville High School. He got his degrees in chemistry and physics while his minor was math. Since he retired from Burnsville High School, he has been running the Physics Days event complete with unique curriculum designed for students and teachers to enjoy!
What’s Ethen's favorite memory about Physics Days?
One student who attended was epileptic, but she was very determined to attend Physics Day. She got approval from her mom, only rode certain rides, and when Ethen saw her, he was extremely happy that she was able to participate!
Physics Days are the perfect opportunity to learn what science and Valleyfair have in common! Schools can join us for other focused days like Engineering Day, Career Day, Marketing Day, and Performances in the Park. There is something for every school! Hope to see you there!
