Learning Science with Disney Imagineering Videos

This year I am not using a textbook to help my children learn about science. Instead, I am utilizing The Science of Disney Imagineering videos and completing a bunch of science activities for middle school.

This is a series of 11 videos that teach students science (mostly physical science) using real-world applications from Disney attractions. Hosted by Asa Kalama, a real Disney Imagineer, the videos are funny, well designed and bursting with educational material. In fact, there is so much in each one that we watch them multiple times to uncover new information.

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Teaching Physical Science with the help of Disney Imagineers

I am not only using the videos to teach my kids, I am also using them as the material basis for the science co-op I lead.

How am I using the videos to teach the kids about physical science? First, we watch the video as a group. After discussing the lesson, we work on some experiments, allowing the kids to put the theories they just learned into action.

Then it’s time for hands-on science!

I try to have three or more experiments ready, with each one focused on a different part of the topic for that month. In the bonus material there are some hands-on activities designed to bring science to life. I not only use this resource, but also Pinterest to find cool things to do.

We have studied friction, trajectory, simple machines, and more.

During the rest of the month, my family continues studying the topic on our own, using library books, videos and activities.

Science Based on Disney Rides

One of the things my kids like best about these videos is that actual Disney rides and attractions are used to demonstrate the science topic being covered. After we watch the video, we enjoy heading to Disney to see for ourselves how the science works.

For example, during the friction video, we saw how the steam train at the Magic Kingdom uses sand on the track to help slipping, due to the rolling friction, to start the train moving. For as many times as we have ridden the train, we hadn’t noticed that.

Videos for Teachers

The 11 titles are:

  • animal adaptations: communication
  • design & models
  • electricity
  • energy
  • fluids
  • friction
  • gravity
  • magnetism
  • Newton’s 3 Laws of Motion
  • pulleys & levers
  • trajectory

I love The Science of Disney Imagineering videos! I feel like I am learning almost as much as the kids.

Stepping out of the textbook for science this year has been quite refreshing. It has lead to more self-directed learning and has really engaged my children.

Have you ever used Disney Imagineering videos for learning about science?

Megan Zechman

Megan Zechman

I love homeschooling! Learning is a way of life for our family. Most days you will find us exploring our Central Florida community, having fun while learning. I am constantly looking for new and interactive ways to engage my older children.
Megan Zechman

@edupossible

Megan Zechman
Megan Zechman

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6 Comments

    1. Hi Jane. I’m not really sure I have them anymore. I think I’ll have to do some digging now LOL! The videos all have some teacher resources added in, so if it was possible, we did the activities they had. Then, I looked on Pinterest for other activities that related to the main subject of the video (friction, Newton’s Laws, etc.) that I thought the kids would enjoy and would help them learn.

      Here are a couple that I wrote up:

      Trajectory
      Friction
      Levers

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