As IB Physics Year 12 students, we recently had the opportunity to take part in a Physics field trip to Dream World Bangkok with 44 other Physics students during the final week of last term. The trip gave us a chance to step outside the classroom, enjoy ourselves and have fun together, while still learning meaningful physics along the way. It was a refreshing reminder that learning does not always have to take place behind a desk, and that understanding can sometimes come from experience just as much as from textbooks.
The main focus of the trip was to explore centripetal acceleration and g-forces, topics we had already studied in class. While we were familiar with the equations and definitions, feeling these forces firsthand made a noticeable difference. Being on the rides allowed us to connect what we had learned theoretically to what we could physically experience, making the concepts feel more real and easier to understand.
Two rides stood out in particular: the Viking and the Speedy Mouse roller coaster. The Viking ride helped us visualise circular motion in a very clear way. As the ship swung back and forth, we could feel changes in acceleration and apparent weight, which helped us better understand how g-forces act on the body. These sensations made abstract ideas like changing velocity and direction feel far less distant. The Speedy Mouse roller coaster offered a different perspective, with its sharp turns and quick changes in direction highlighting the effects of centripetal force. Experiencing these forces in motion made the relationship between speed, radius, and acceleration much clearer. To support our observations, we used the Phyphox application on our phones to collect real-time data from the rides, allowing us to measure acceleration and relate the values directly to the forces we were experiencing. This helped bridge the gap between what we felt physically and what we had previously analysed mathematically.
Throughout the trip, we talked with one another about what we were feeling on each ride and how it linked back to the physics concepts we had learned. Discussions about normal force, apparent weight, and acceleration felt more natural when we could relate them to our own experiences. This helped reinforce the idea that physics is not just about solving problems on paper, but about understanding the forces that shape everyday experiences.
Just as importantly, the trip allowed us to spend time together as a group. Learning alongside friends in a relaxed and enjoyable environment made the experience even more memorable. It showed us that physics is not only about numbers and calculations, but also about curiosity, exploration, and enjoying the process of learning.
Overall, the Physics trip to Dream World was an experience we will genuinely remember. Using tools like the Phyphox app made the learning feel more hands-on and meaningful, as we were not just experiencing the rides but actively collecting and thinking about real data ourselves. Seeing physics come to life through both sensation and measurement helped us realise that the subject is more than equations and exam questions. Sharing the experience with friends made it even more enjoyable, and it reminded us that some of the best learning happens when curiosity, technology, and fun come together. Thank you to the administrative and academic staff who made this trip happen.
