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Hearty Helping Of Free Educational Programs At Quassy Amusement Park

Your-Story.org

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January 24, 2011

Twenty acres of lakeside property with roller coasters, waterslides and the smell of freshly-made cotton candy doesn’t sound like your average classroom setting.

But for schools seeking hands-on learning experiences, Quassy Amusement Park serves up a hearty helping of free educational programs for 2011.

“We were really a little dumbfounded when we reviewed our school programs this week,” said park owner George Frantzis II. “Quite frankly, we didn’t realize it, but we’re now offering more than a dozen educational programs at the park.”

Over the past several years the school projects – most of which are underwritten by the family-owned park – have grown in leaps and bounds.

“We’ve really embraced using the park as an educational tool,” added owner Eric Anderson. “Now we offer accredited learning programs, competitions and a very popular all-day school music festival.”

Physics Book

One of the newest offerings is “Fun With Physics at Quassy Amusement Park,” a workbook containing more than 30 pages of educational projects incorporating many of the mechanical rides at the park. The project was coordinated through and accredited by the American Association of Physics Teachers (AAPT) in College Park, Md.

The Quassy project was designed for students to work individually or in teams as they go to various rides, making observations and calculations.

“After receiving a request from faculty members to create such a physics program, we embarked on a mission to do just that,” Frantzis revealed. “This workbook not only complements our existing educational programs, but provides a comprehensive learning experience like never before offered at Quassy.”

The 2011 edition of the book has been updated to include the new “Wooden Warrior” roller coaster, opening at Quassy this spring.

The pamphlet outlines goals and objectives, contains pre-trip activities and numerous in-park projects for middle and elementary school students. The booklet is provided in advance via e-mail or on a compact disc to schools scheduling educational fieldtrips.

List Of Other Programs

Other free programs at the park include:

  • “Wacky Science” – A 20-minute interactive stage presentation guaranteed to educate as well as entertain. Students uncork some “Wacky Science” experiments to tease the eyes and mind.
  • “Commotion About Motion” – A popular 25-minute guided walking tour with a handful of experiments for classes on a tight schedule.
  • “History Tour/Lecture” – Behind-the-scenes look at Quassy Amusement Park, which is one of only 11 remaining “trolley parks” still operating in the United States.
  • “ABCs About News” – Workshop where students become reporters and learn to write a news story.
  • “Student Photo Essay Contest” – Digital cameras as prizes for elementary, middle and high schools. This year’s theme: “Making The Right Decisions,” embracing the park’s new “smoke-free” environment. Essays will be judged on May 15. Sponsored by Olympus and Quassy.
  • “Art In The Park” – Sidewalk art competition on May 15 with divisions for elementary, middle and high schools. This year’s theme: “Quassy Goes Smoke-Free.” Presented in cooperation with Education Connection.
  • “7th Annual School Music Festival” – June 11 event featuring elementary, middle and high school bands, choruses, orchestras.
  • “Roller Coaster Model Contest” – Built it and they will come to see it operate. Divisions for elementary, middle and high schools. Models judged June 12 at the park. Accredited by AAPT.
  • “Mother’s Day Essay Competition” – Elementary and middle school students put into words why their mom should be named Quassy Mother Of The Year.
  • “Ready To Read” – The highly-popular summer reading incentive program returns to Quassy. Youngsters reading three books can earn a free ride pass to the park.
  • “Trash Can Art” – High school students accept the challenge to paint Quassy’s trash cans with an amusement park theme.
  • “Photography Workshop” – Students bring their cameras (digital or film) for a classroom session before going out into the park to complete photography assignments.

Registration forms for the “Art In The Park,” “Student Photo Essay Contest,” and “Roller Coaster Model Contest” are available on the Press Room page at Quassy dot com.

Quassy Quiz Show

The park also offers the Quassy Quiz Show featuring a show host and state-of-the-art electronic contest equipment. Pricing for the optional show during school fieldtrips is available through the park office.

Quassy will also assist in designing specific programs to meet the needs of school curriculum.

“We have been able to successfully create educational, interactive programs for a day and even up to an entire school week,” Frantzis noted. “So let us be your classroom for a very unique learning experience.”

Schools wishing to book educational fieldtrips should call the Quassy office at 203-758-2913 ext. 105.

For more information about Quassy Amusement Park visit Quassy dot com. Quassy Amusement Park features more than two-dozen rides and attractions, including the new “Wooden Warrior” roller coaster for 2011.

On the lakefront is “Saturation Station,” a state-of-the-art interactive water play area with more than 30 ways to get drenched. The park also has a redemption arcade, restaurant, entertainment, games, beach and boats on Lake Quassapaug.

 



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