Walt Disney World Railroad
The Walt Disney World Railroad offers a unique and immersive educational experience for children. This classic attraction traverses the perimeter of Magic Kingdom, providing not only a fun mode of transportation but also a valuable learning opportunity. As students embark on this journey, they can explore various educational themes such as history, engineering, and math.
Pre-K and Kindergarten
Math and Counting: Counting is a fundamental skill that serves as the cornerstone for early mathematics and cognitive development in pre-kindergarten and kindergarten children. It helps young learners understand quantity, develop number sense, and build confidence in problem-solving. Through counting, children enhance their ability to recognize patterns and relationships between numbers, which supports their logical thinking skills. Additionally, counting fosters fine motor skills as children manipulate objects for counting, and it encourages social interaction as they engage in group activities. Overall, mastering counting not only lays the groundwork for more advanced mathematical concepts but also encourages a love for learning through hands-on and playful experiences.
In this free WDW printable, count the cars in each train group.
Engineering: Creating a train track can be an immensely educational activity for pre-kindergarten and kindergarten students, incorporating elements of construction, spatial awareness, and problem-solving. As children design and assemble their tracks, they learn about shapes, sizes, and measurements, enhancing their understanding of geometry and spatial reasoning. This hands-on activity also encourages creativity and imagination, as they can experiment with different configurations and layouts. Additionally, manipulating train pieces and ensuring they fit together correctly promotes fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination. Moreover, playing with the train track allows for the exploration of concepts such as cause and effect, as children observe how their trains move or derail based on the track's design, making it a fun yet educational experience.
Upper Elementary and Middle School
History: Read The Story of American Railroads by Stewart H. Holbrook and complete the reading comprehension and analysis worksheet.
The book The Story of American Railroads by Stewart H. Holbrook provides a rich historical context that enhances the experience of the Walt Disney World Railroad. Holbrook's narrative delves into the development of the railroad system in America, highlighting the technological advancements and the social transformations that accompanied this evolution. By understanding these historical milestones, visitors to the Walt Disney World Railroad can appreciate how the attraction serves as a representation of the broader narrative of American railroads. The themes of innovation, connection, and community woven throughout Holbrook's work are mirrored in the experiences provided by the Disney railroad, where guests are transported not only through the park but also through a time capsule of American history. This connection fosters a deeper appreciation of how railroads, as depicted in Holbrook's storytelling, have shaped not just physical landscapes but also cultural identities, resonating with the values that the Walt Disney World Railroad aims to convey.
Engineering: The Thames & Kosmos TrainBots: 2-in-1 STEAM Maker Kit is an excellent educational tool for children, providing hands-on learning in robotics and engineering, which connects naturally to the WDW Railroad in Magic Kingdom. Here's how this product supports learning and links to the Disney attraction:
Educational Value:
Engineering and Robotics: By allowing children to build two different steampunk-themed robots, the kit helps develop problem-solving and mechanical skills. These skills are crucial in understanding how machines, like trains, function, including concepts such as movement, power, and assembly.
STEAM Learning: The integration of Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math (STEAM) is a cornerstone of this kit. Children explore fundamental principles like circuits, motors, and ultrasonic technology while fostering creativity in robot design.
Ultrasonic Atomizer: The kit includes an ultrasonic atomizer that creates a steam effect, which is both a visual and scientific representation of how steam engines (like the locomotives on the WDW Railroad) operate by turning water into vapor. This provides a practical understanding of the phases of matter and how technology can mimic historical engineering feats.
Sound Waves & Light: The robots include LED lights and ultrasonic technology, teaching children about light waves and sound waves, which are essential components of modern train systems, signaling systems, and steam-powered machinery.
Storytelling & Engagement: The comic-book-style manual ties directly into creative storytelling, much like the immersive experiences created by Disney attractions. Children engage with the narrative of the robots they build, encouraging imaginative play alongside technical learning.
Connection to WDW Railroad:
The WDW Railroad is a classic steam-powered train that loops around the Magic Kingdom, evoking nostalgia and celebrating the historical importance of railroads. This product:
Mimics the train experience: The ultrasonic steam and rolling train robot simulate a real steam locomotive, similar to those featured in the WDW Railroad, making the connection between past and present engineering technology more relatable.
Hands-on Train Building: Kids who build the train version of the robot can explore the same mechanisms that power the WDW Railroad trains, fostering a deeper appreciation for how they function and their history.
By linking this product to the Magic Kingdom's WDW Railroad, children gain both historical insights into steam engines and a modern understanding of engineering, all while connecting their learning to a beloved Disney attraction.
