Introduction

The Lehigh Valley is rich in tradition, culture and beauty. We are most fortunate to have a community of fine people who are dedicated to the enhancement of our quality of life. To these ends, Dorney Park and Kutztown University have collaborated in the development of an educational experience that will benefit the children of the Lehigh Valley and beyond.

We call it Coaster Quest. Our goal is to provide a stimulating and challenging exploratory experience for high school students. We utilize some of Dorney Park’s best attractions in ways that promote a deeper and more profound understanding of select scientific and mathematical principles. Students are given the opportunity to examine and study relationships between the dynamics of the mechanical universe and the unique, structural features of the rides.

Kutztown University of Pennsylvania is pleased once again to participate in a collaborative project that engages future teachers in serious work with leading educators and the community. For science and mathematics teachers, this represents the best of two worlds, a living classroom replete with experiential activities and a forum for examining the connections between theory and practice. For Dorney Park, this is yet another opportunity to showcase their outstanding amusement park. All who participate will examine the extraordinary structural design process that went into the construction of these fabulous rides.

Our project planning team consists of professionals from area school districts, Dorney Park, and Kutztown University. The teams contributed their time, effort and expertise to create a new and exciting experience that has now become an annual event for many school districts. We extend to you the opportunity to examine our laboratory manual, review procedural aspects, and participate in our tenth annual Coaster Quest day that will be held on Friday, May 7, 2010.

Dr. Joseph S. Elias
Associate Professor of Science Education
College of Education
Kutztown University of Pennsylvania
610-683-4762
elias@kutztown.edu