SPRING BREAK CAMPS are running March 9th 2026 to March 20th 2026

(480) 757-1281

K’NEX Theme Park Engineering

Categories: Apprentice, K'NEX
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About Course

In the K’NEX Theme Park Engineering camp, students will plan and construct models of theme park rides using the K’NEX construction system. In this hands-on and build-centered camp, campers will learn the basics of structural engineering, as well as the physics principals used by ride designers. Armed with this knowledge, they’ll collaborate to build and perfect motorized Ferris wheels, carousels, roller coasters and more.

What Will You Learn?

  • Learn to follow blueprints, or build instructions, to construct K'NEX models of various types of theme park rides.
  • Learn teamwork and leadership skills by building as part of a group.
  • Learn some of the physics principles involved in engineering theme park rides.
  • Learn to perform basic calculations associated with the movement of theme park rides.

Course Content

INSTRUCTOR BRIEFING
This section is designed to get instructors up to speed on the camp materials and daily workflow.

  • Lesson 01 Camp Overview and Schedule
  • Lesson 02 Instructor Overview and Learning Objectives
  • Lesson 03 Instructor Course Tips
  • Lesson 04 K’NEX Inventory
    03:23

MONDAY – FERRIS WHEEL AND GEAR RATIO
In today's lessons, campers will be introduced to the K'NEX build system. They'll build Ferris wheels with different gear configurations to learn the relationship between speed and torque.

TUESDAY – PIRATE SHIP AND PERIOD OF A PENDULUM
In today's lesson, students will build a swinging Pirate Ship Ride. They'll investigate how added weight affects the speed of the ride (i.e., the period of a pendulum).

WEDNESDAY – BALL LOOP, INERTIA, AND G-FORCES
In today's lesson, campers will build a ball loop which models a looping roller coaster. They'll learn the forces involved in allowing the ball to complete the loop, and they'll learn why roller coaster loops usually aren't circular.

THURSDAY – CAROUSEL AND CIRCUMFERENCE
In today's lesson, campers will build a carousel. They'll calculate the circular distances traveled by horses on the inner and outer tracks of the ride.

FRIDAY – OPTIONAL ROLLER COASTER
In today's lesson, campers are given the option to build a full K'NEX roller coaster. Alternate builds and free-building options are provided as well.

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