At The Awty International School, the Physics Department is known for more than just complex equations and rigorous lab reports; it’s known for bringing the laws of the universe to life.

This past month, Awty’s junior IB Physics Class recently traded their desks for a high-velocity lesson in aerodynamics at iFLY Indoor Skydiving. Here, students used kinematic calculations to predict their terminal velocity before entering the flight chamber. Then, after observing object-based demonstrations that visualized air resistance in real-time, the students themselves took to the air, transforming formulas into a visceral experience.

Ms. Angela Glidewell, the head of the Science Department at Awty, has been leading this trip since 2016. “It’s like a physics lesson on steroids!” she enthused. “Students get to physically experience gravity, drag, lift, and terminal velocity, to see how small changes in their body position can have huge impacts on them while in the wind tunnel.

”The impact of these field trips goes beyond the physics class itself. “These real-time cause-and-effect relationships deepen comprehension,” she continued. “And when students associate Physics with a memorable experience, they are more likely to view Physics as relevant, dynamic, and applicable to the real world.”

The power of this hands-on experience was evident in the students’ reactions. After the field trip, junior Nivriti Arya noted that “it was super interesting to see how physics can be applied to create fun activities.”

Junior Avni Shiv resonated this sentiment, stating that “it pushed [her] out of [her] comfort zone” and “showed how physics is applied to real life.”

In a high-stress environment through the IB program, students can often feel overwhelmed by quizzes, tests, papers, and assignments. However, this field trip helps provide a much-needed reminder that science is about the thrill of discovery, helping fuel Awty students with a bright curiosity.