Great Wolf Lodge Waterslide Science Worksheet for 12-Year-Olds — Physics & Engineering STEM Activities

Instructions

1. Read each section carefully to learn about the physics and engineering behind your favorite waterpark slides.
2. Complete the activities in order. They start with basic concepts and move toward more complex design challenges.
3. Use a pencil for the "Slide Designer Pro" game so you can make adjustments if your budget runs low!
4. Check your answers against the Answer Key at the end of the worksheet once you have finished.

Section 1: The Energy of the Climb

Before you can zoom down the slide at Great Wolf Lodge, you have to climb the stairs. In science, this is called doing work. By lifting your body weight up several stories, you are storing Potential Energy—the energy of position.

Fill in the blanks using the words below: Gravity, Kinetic, Potential, Friction

1. As you stand at the very top of the slide, you have reached your maximum amount of ____ energy.
2. The moment you push off, that stored energy begins transforming into ____ energy, which is the energy of motion.
3. The force that pulls you down toward the splash pool is ____.
4. To make sure you don't go too fast or get a "rug burn," engineers use water to reduce ____ between your skin and the slide.

Section 2: Engineering & Materials

Waterpark engineers don't just use any material. They need things that are strong, smooth, and weather-resistant. Most slides are made of Fiberglass (a reinforced plastic) held up by Steel supports and secured with heavy-duty Galvanized Bolts.

Section 3: The Physics Scramble

Unscramble the words below to reveal the secret of the slide. Then, use the circled letters to solve the riddle!

1. RTINFCOI (Resistance when two surfaces rub): (Circle the 1st letter)

2. YVIGART (The force pulling you down): _ (Circle the 1st letter)

3. EALNRTU (The sharp curves in the slide): (Circle the 3rd letter)

4. SELVITYOC (The speed and direction of your slide): _ (Circle the 4th letter)

5. PUMP (Moves water to the top): (Circle the 2nd letter)

RIDDLE: Why did the physicist love the waterpark? Because they had high _! (Hint: It's the energy you have at the top!)

Section 4: Game - Slide Designer Pro

The Goal: You are the lead engineer for a new slide at Great Wolf Lodge called "The Alpha Howl." You have 100 "Wolf Credits" to spend. You must reach the splash pool without running out of credits or making the slide too dangerous.

The Rules:

• You must choose exactly 5 sections for your slide.
• Your total cost must be 100 credits or less.
• If your "Thrill Level" is over 15, the slide is too scary! If it's under 8, it's too boring!

Menu of Parts:

• Straight Drop: Cost: 20 | Thrill: +5
• 360-Degree Loop: Cost: 35 | Thrill: +8
• Gentle Curve: Cost: 10 | Thrill: +2
• The Big Splash (Ending): Cost: 15 | Thrill: +1
• Water Jet Uphill: Cost: 30 | Thrill: +4

Section 5: The Challenge Question

If the water pump at Great Wolf Lodge stopped working, but you still tried to go down the slide in your swimsuit, what would happen to your speed? Use the concept of friction and heat to explain your answer.

Answer Key

Section 1: The Energy of the Climb

1. Potential
2. Kinetic
3. Gravity
4. Friction

Section 2: Engineering & Materials (Suggested Answers)

• Steel Beams: Support the weight of the slide and riders.
• Water Pumps: Move water against gravity to the top of the slide.
• Rubber Gaskets: Prevent water leaks between fiberglass sections.
• Bolts/Fasteners: Hold the structural frame together.
• Inclined Planes: Create the slope necessary for gravity to work.

Section 3: Physics Scramble

1. FRICTION (F)
2. GRAVITY (G)
3. TURNS (R)
4. VELOCITY (O)
5. PUMP (U) RIDDLE: POTENTIAL (Note: Scramble letters: F, G, R, O, U are part of the theme, but the riddle answer is Potential Energy!)

Section 4: Slide Designer Pro Example successful build:

1. Straight Drop (20/5)
2. Gentle Curve (10/2)
3. Gentle Curve (10/2)
4. Water Jet Uphill (30/4)
5. Big Splash (15/1) Total Cost: 85 | Total Thrill: 14 (Success!)

Section 5: Challenge Question Without water, friction would increase significantly. Your speed would decrease (or you might stop entirely), and the friction would generate heat, likely causing a painful "slide burn" on your skin.