Students from Year 11 Physics class took their studies to new heights—literally—during a thrilling visit to iFLY Indoor Skydiving. As part of their Unit 2 studies on forces and motion, the students had the chance to experience how forces like gravity, drag, and air resistance act on objects in motion. The trip provided an engaging, real-world application of key physics concepts such as terminal velocity, center of mass, and fluid dynamics.

At the cutting-edge iFLY wind tunnel at Essendon Fields, students experienced the sensation of freefall without leaving the ground. Expert instructors guided them through the physics principles behind the tunnel, showing how skydivers float, spin, and move in midair.

Hunter described the experience as life-changing:
“Before the iFLY experience, I felt grounded, but after learning about the forces at work, I felt like a fairy in a fishtank. It even sparked my interest in wind turbines!”

William Walsh was just as enthusiastic:
“It was amazing to feel what it’s like to fly and learn about the wind tunnel’s system. The physics behind it all was fascinating.”

For Matt Lee, the highlight was the high fly:
“I’ve been to iFLY before, but this time, I understood how physics made it possible. The high fly gave me the confidence to try outdoor skydiving!”

Ms. Wang, the teacher who organized the trip, emphasized how well it aligned with the curriculum:
“It was a perfect way to bring physics to life beyond the classroom.”

Jacob Reginato appreciated how the staff explained the wind tunnel’s engineering:
“They made everything clear, from design and safety to the forces in action. It gave us a new perspective.”

As Thomas Kelly noted humorously:
“The high fly was unforgettable, and watching Sebas struggle to exit the tunnel was a funny reminder of just how powerful the wind can be!”

This physics-fuelled adventure left students with both unforgettable memories and a deeper understanding of the scientific principles they’re studying.

Ms Angela Wang