Theme parks offer lots of fun: with attractions, rides and
games. Enjoy theme virtually here.
CONNECT:
- Theme parks began to appear as early as 1550 in Europe. Trace this theme park timeline: http://www.napha.org/LIBRARYRESOURCES/FactsFigures/GreatMoments/tabid/69/Default.aspx This website has other resources about historic aspects of amusement parks.
- Disney parks have changed over the years, but this website http://www.yesterland.com/ has preserved information about discontinued Disney attractions.
- Europe helps preserve their traditional buildings and ways of life through open air folk museums; see some of them virtually at https://www.ricksteves.com/watch-read-listen/read/articles/europes-folk-museums
- Europe also has fascinating sculpture parks: https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2016/sep/05/10-best-sculpture-parks-europe
- Did you know that the word “carousel” originally meant “little war”? Find out the reason for that connotation, and how carousels have developed over the centuries: at http://www.carouselmuseum.com/history.html
CREATE:
- What are are the forces behind theme park fun? Explore at http://www.learner.org/interactives/parkphysics/
- Want to design your own thrilling coaster? Use this simulator to create one: http://www.funderstanding.com/educators/coaster/
- Enjoy “My Fantastic Park” virtually: http://www.myfantasticpark.com/
- Want to create your own amusement park? Here’s how: http://www.wikihow.com/Start-an-Amusement-Park
- Create a “trivia” game using these little known factors about theme parks: http://www.iaapa.org/resources/by-park-type/amusement-parks-and-attractions/trivia
CARE:
- It’s not fun when you have an accident, even in a theme park. The following website http://www.rideaccidents.com/ lists amusement ride accidents so you can be aware of the risks associated with amusement rides – and are more willing to follow warning and procedures.
- Learn how to keep yourself and your family safe when you visit amusement parks and carnivals: see http://www.saferparks.org/
- Want to get more active in theme parks, especially roller coasters? Join an enthusiast club: http://www.themeparkcity.com/itps/L_enthusiast.htm
- Theme parks also give back to their communities, such as Disney Voluntears: https://publicaffairs.disneyland.com/voluntears/. Some theme parks also support community volunteers – check out the local opportunities.
CAREERS:
Like people? Art? Construction? Food? Finance? Architecture?
Engineering? Acting? Music? Like working outside – or inside? There’s a job for
you in the theme/amusement part industry sector.
