From Gate to Roller Coaster: Designing Lessons Like Theme Parks

Just like a great theme park, an effective classroom captures attention from the very first moment and keeps learners engaged through carefully designed experiences. This session will explore how lesson planning can mirror the elements of a theme park -- welcoming “main gates” that set the tone, immersive “rides” that spark excitement, “rest stops” that allow reflection, and surprise “shows” that reignite curiosity.

For both 6-12 and higher education faculty, we’ll highlight strategies for creating a sense of wonder, building smooth transitions, incorporating SEL, and designing learning “attractions” that students will talk about long after class ends. Participants will leave with practical ideas to transform lessons into memorable adventures that balance fun and rigor for all learners.