Saturday, November 14, 2026
Sandris Mendoza and Chelsea Saynes-Ruiz hold an old wheel from Disney's Slinky Dog Dash ride. These wheels change color after use and are replaced every two weeks.
MIA physics teacher Brandon Swope with his students.
Students examine a track with magnets that simulate the linear synchronous motors (LSM) used on some Disney attractions.
MIA students discuss with their workshop leader.
Students look at a model roller coaster track.
Maximo Walters sets up a friction demonstration.
The Science National Honor Society and Marco Island Academy physics classes took a trip to Disney over the weekend. While lots of fun was had in the park, the main goal was for the students to learn about the inner workings of the rides and the physics of it all.
The group of 38 students left Marco Island at 4:30 AM on Saturday, April 6th, and returned at 2:00 AM on Sunday. At Disney’s Hollywood Studios, the students partook in the Physics of Disney Parks workshop. Here, they reviewed important physics concepts and were given lessons on how they are used at the park. Students explored the concepts of speed, velocity, acceleration, gravity, friction, push/pull, gravitational potential energy and kinetic energy, and magnetism.
The trip was made possible by fundraising events such as a bingo night and bake sale, and many gracious donations from community members.
“A trip of this size takes the entire community coming together to pull off, in addition to our six incredible chaperones,” said Brandon Swope, MIA physics teacher and leader of SNHS. “I’m grateful to work at a school where we have the full support of our administration on these field experiences. Marco Island Academy’s Science National Honor Society continues to provide students with opportunities to get out and explore all that Florida has to offer.”
The field trip was fun and educational and provided many unforgettable lessons to all of the students.
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