8,000 Teens Learn Physics on Roller Coasters at USU Event

When 8,000 teenagers descended on a Northern Utah amusement park in May, they weren't just there for the thrills. They came to measure G-forces on roller coasters, design future amusement park rides, and compete for scholarships while learning physics in the most exciting classroom imaginable.

Utah State University's Department of Physics and Idaho National Laboratory hosted their 38th annual Physics Day at Lagoon on May 15. Students from throughout the Intermountain West built their own accelerometers, tested them on rides like the Wicked vertical launch roller coaster, and turned months of design work into competition entries.

"We had a great day and were excited to see so many students getting involved in hands-on science learning fun," says J.R. Dennison, professor in USU's Department of Physics and longtime event coordinator. Making it happen required more than a hundred dedicated volunteers who showed up to set up activities, judge competitions, and help the massive event run smoothly.

Many of those volunteers have deep connections to Physics Day. Caleb Black first attended as a middle schooler from Murray, Utah, and the experience influenced his decision to study physics at USU. After graduating in December 2025, he returned to volunteer alongside his brother Micah.

"I love returning to be involved with outreach at Physics Day, because I learn so much from the questions students ask me," Black says. Volunteer Gabriel Decker, a physics and computer science major, agrees that helping students also sharpens his own understanding and communication skills.

The Ripple Effect

The volunteers come from everywhere: current students, alumni, employees from corporate and government sponsors, USU and INL staff members, and even family and friends. USU colleges, departments and student clubs bring exhibits and demonstrations to share.

Reed Fuller spent the day helping teens check in for competitions and set up their amusement park ride designs. "It's a lot of fun to talk with students and hear about the process they went through," Fuller says, noting that it's also a great chance to discuss how continuing studies at Utah State could support their future interests.

The day culminated in the annual Physics Bowl competition, where Utah State Admissions awarded $18,000 in scholarships. First-place team members from Green Canyon High School each received $4,000 scholarships, while second-place winners from Alta High School each earned $2,000. Winners in other competitions, including ride design, logo design, and the Egg Drop challenge, received science-themed prizes from sponsors.

These scholarships add to any other academic awards the students may receive, creating genuine pathways to higher education while celebrating their curiosity about how the physical world works.