Physics and Thrills: A Revolutionary Exploration of Williamsburg

Department of Physics
Location: Williamsburg, VA
Course: PHYS 1315 and PHYS 1115 - General Physics I
CRN: TBD
Program Director: Dr. Stephen Ray, stephenpray@txstate.edu
Course Dates: PHYS 1315 in summer I, PHYS 1115 in summer II, dates TBD
Travel: July 14 - 19, 2025
Program Fee: $2,350
Course Tuition: $1,424.32
*Financial Aid eligible

Program Itinerary

Students will visit an amusement park and race go karts to learn how to use their phones to 1) collect data 2) use graphing/analysis software to analyze the data using theory from the course lecture and 3) communicate their findings by presenting the data to their peers.

Date	Activities
Monday, July 14	Fly to Richmond, VA. Take a coach bus to Williamsburg, VA. Enjoy a welcome dinner with the group.
Tuesday, July 15	Visit Colonial Williamsburg, a 301-acre living history museum that brings travelers back in time to colonial Virginia through immersive experiences, historic interpretations, museums, and events. Tour highlights include the Governor's Palace, the Capitol, the Raleigh Tavern, and historic Duke of Gloucester Street. Visit The Wizard’s Pub Escape Room for a thrilling historical adventure. Step back in time to Yorktown, Virginia, at the height of the American Revolutionary War. Both has reason to believe she has infiltrated General George Washington’s command tent and stolen key items, disrupting our current timeline. The outcome of the war and the entire country are in jeopardy. It’s up to you, the Bureau’s newest recruits to save the battle of Yorktown.
Wednesday, July 15	Spend the day at Busch Gardens. Experience the thrills of science and technology in a real-world setting and get a behind-the-scenes look at what makes our roller coasters work - Coastal 101 science workshop. Collect your data as outlined.
Thursday, July 16	Visit the Jamestown Settlement and American Revolution Museum at Yorktown. Here, the founding of the United States is brought to life through interactive exhibits, dynamic films, encampment recreations, and live reenactments. See what life was like for soldiers during the water. Visit the 3 historic ships and explore the Powhatan Village. After lunch, immerse yourself in the 17th-century at a recreation of the country's first colony. Visit the Jamestown Glasshouse, see the furnace ruins and glass blowing demonstrations in a reconstructed glass factory from the early 1600s. Enjoy 2 hours of unlimited fun at Go-Karts Plus.
Friday, July 17	Spend the day at Water Country USA.
Saturday, July 18	Travel home.

*Itinerary is subject to change.

Application Process

Follow these steps to enroll.

STEP 1

Complete SIA student application. Deadline is January 24, 2025.

STEP 2

Applications reviewed by Program Director & OXP.

STEP 3

Pay $50 program deposit. Deadline is February 21, 2025.

STEP 4

Program FAQ

Expand FAQ List

General Information
- Who is eligible to participate in the program?
  
  All students enrolled at TXST are eligible to participate, priority will be given to physics majors and minors.
- Will I need to be in person at the San Marcos campus for the course?
  
  No, you do not need to be in San Marcos to participate in the program. PHYS 1315 and 1115 will be online. Students can fly to Williamsburg, VA, for the mandatory field trip from any airport.
Costs
- What is included in the program fee?
  The $2,350 program fee includes:
  - Bus transportation for the duration of your trip
  - 5 nights hotel accommodation at a conveniently located hotel
  - Breakfast daily at the hotel
  - 3 Dinners (2 dinners at the theme parks)
  - 2 Lunches (at the theme parks)
  - A guided tour of Williamsburg
  - Admission to Colonial Williamsburg
  - Admission to Jamestown Settlement
  - Admission to American Revolution Museum at Yorktown
  - Admission to Water Country USA
  - Admission to Busch Gardens
  - Admission to Coastal 101 science workshop
  - Admission to Go Karts Fun Center
  - Admission to the Wizard’s Pub Escape Room
  - Visit to Merchant Square (if time permits)
  *Note that transportation to/from the airport will be provided at the most common arrival time of participants. If you do not arrive/depart at the most common time of the group you may not be eligible for the shuttle.
- What is NOT included in the program fee?
  The program fee does not include:
  - Airfare to/from Williamsburg, VA.
  - 4 lunches.
  - 3 dinners.
  - Any additional activities students participate in during program free time.
  - Course tuition.
  *Per OXP policy, airfare is purchased by the student is not refundable by the university. Students are encouraged to purchase flexible airfare or travel insurance in case of the event they are unable to travel.
- What is the program deposit?
  
  Students are required to pay a $50 nonrefundable program deposit to secure their spot in the program. The deposit is applied to the overall program fee.
- Is Study in America Financial Aid eligible?
  
  Yes, SIA programs are financial aid eligible; however, eligibility can vary by student award. Students should always confirm with TXST One Stop whether their financial aid will cover the course tuition and program fee.
Program Preparation
- Will I need to provide my transportation?
  
  Students are responsible for purchasing airfare to/from Williamsburg, VA.
- Is there a dress code for specific visits?
  
  There is no required dress code.
- Will there be downtime on the trip?
  
  Yes, students will have some downtime in the evenings.
Drop & Refund Policy
- Course Tuition Refund
  
  Refunds for a dropped extension course are given according to university policy for regular university courses on campus. Refer to the TXST One Stop for more information.
- SIA Program Fee Refund
  Students may receive a refund for the program fee if they drop/withdraw within the refund schedule. The program fee refund policy is separate from the refund deadlines associated with course tuition costs.
  The following policy applies to students that drop/withdraw from the course/program:
  - 100% of the program fee is refundable 45 days prior to the course start date.
  - 70% of the program fee is refundable 44 days prior to the course start date.
  - 50% of the program fee is refundable after the first start date of the course.
  Students that cannot complete the program and would like to appeal the refund policy, please contact extension@txstate.edu for assistance.
  Please note the course start date is not the first day of travel.