School Projects Around Walt Disney World
October 29, 2015Leigh JenkinsDeciding to take your child out of school for a Walt Disney World vacation can be a tough choice. Crowds are smaller and prices are better when kids are in school, but is it worth those missed days? If your family decides yes, there are some ways to make the work load a bit more bearable.First, talk to your child’s teacher as soon as you are able. Ask if there are any big assignments or tests coming up that absolutely cannot be missed or that could be taken in advance. Any school work that can be done before you leave for your trip, rather than when you return, will make the whole “home from vacation blues” a bit easier to manage.Also ask if there are any projects that can be done while on vacation that can be used in place of missed work or as extra credit. Teachers, especially in elementary school, are often willing to work with parents. Here are a few ideas for fun projects that can be done around the parks.
For young kids, have them create an ABC scrapbook and find pictures or items for each page, such as a picture of a Pagoda for “P” or Goofy’s autograph for “G”. At Epcot, kids can take photos and identify various trees that have been imported to the World Showcase from around the globe. Or they can practice their foreign language skills by interviewing a cast member from another country.Older students will enjoy the Behind the Seeds tour at the Land pavilion in Epcot where they can learn about advancements in farming. Both the Living Seas pavilion in Epcot and all of Animal Kingdom are great resources for projects on marine life or African and Asian ecosystems. Those looking for a true adventure can try the Wild Africa Trek, walking over alligators and getting a more in-depth viewing of the animals.
Photography students can practice their skills by photographing Cinderella’s Castle in morning, afternoon, and evening light. Artists can study the forced perspective used throughout the parks, making buildings look taller than they are. For students over 16, the Keys to the Kingdom tour at Magic Kingdom covers this in great detail, and gives a great backstage peak at the workings of Disney.Math problems can be created at any ride while waiting in line. On Test Track, if a car leaves the station every twenty seconds, carrying six passengers, how many passengers ride in an hour? A day? A week? If the monorail travels 7 miles between the Magic Kingdom and Epcot, moving at 32 mph, how long does it take to travel from one location to the other?Once you start thinking up projects, it can be hard to stop! But remember, talk to your kids and their teachers to determine what will work best for your students and your schedule.