Roving Reporters Launched into Physics Day at Busch Gardens

The Roving Reporters traveled to Williamsburg, Virginia, for Physics Day hosted at Busch Gardens, where the reporters were given tours of Griffon, saw Launch into Physics with Dr. Wright, and interviewed two members of the zoological department. At the beginning of the trip, student reporters were greeted by Emily, Associate Manager-Communications, who was in charge of the tour. From there, the group went to Griffon, Busch Gardens' tallest roller coaster standing at 205 feet, where the students were given the opportunity to speak with Greg, Head of Maintenance, and Larry and Suzy Directors from the Operations Department. Larry and Suzy discussed how Busch Gardens was like a small city, with the many different departments, such as culinary, maintenance, etc., with each department working together to run the entire theme park. Griffon's design process was worked on by Larry and another company that manufactures roller coaster material and completes the necessary calculations for the coaster to work properly. Greg from Maintenance took the reporters outside the maintenance bay where one of Griffon's cars was suspended above for usual maintenance. Each part and wheel was pointed out and described with its purpose. Suzy and Larry also described some of the forces at play that must be considered when designing the track and cars. The reporter's traveled to Ireland in the park to see the Launch into Physics show with Dr. David Wright, who explained the physics at play each time an attendee of the park rides the coasters. He is a professor at Tidewater Community College and is very passionate about physics and teaching students. A falcon was involved in his demonstration, which led the roving reporters to speak with members of the zoological department. ​Mike and Kendall were in charge of Lincoln, a bald eagle. The reporters were given information on the bird and its training regime. The two trainers spoke more in depth on the entire zoological department. Kendall described the conservation fund and the rescuing and release of the animals that SeaWorld and Busch Gardens are a part of. After this, Emily left the group to roam the park freely and enjoy the attractions, such as the bumper cars, Alpengeist, Darkastle, and others.

#physics #BushGardens #Williamsburg