CHAPTER ONE MAKING A SPLASH thumbs-up The rider pushes himself the lifeguard gives the rider a waterslide It is dark inside the tunnel The slide into the tunnel at the entrance to the has a steep drop right away and the rider picks up speed on the slippery slide Jets of water push him along He rounds a long curve and dips down again Then the tunnel opens up The rider can see the blue sky He zips around a few tight turns The rider keeps his arms crossed over At the top of a waterslide riders give a push to start sliding 5
his chest The tunnel closes over him one more time The slide zigs and zags and then the rider can see light at the end of the slide He splashes into the pool The rider swims to the surface and paddles to the steps He wipes water from his eyes and grins He loves going to the water park with his family A PARK FULL OF SCIENCE Science is everywhere in water parks Researchers and designers work hard to make sure water parks are not only fun but also safe There are nearly 1,200 water parks in the United States and Canada and even more around the world Some parks are outside Others are inside People can have fun at water parks all year long There are many things to consider when designing a water park Scientists use chemicals and filters to keep water clean Physics explains why waterslides are fun Researchers study how waves form so water parks can Many people enjoy a big splash at the end of a waterslide 6
