Families may explore the physics behind amusement park rides through the new exhibit at Gwinnett Environmental and Heritage Center beginning Feb. 1.

Amusement Park Science — researched, developed and produced by Discovery Center Museum — features 12 hands-on exhibit components, including a Create-a-Coaster area, interactive video and computer kiosks and bumper cars.

Designed for families and learning, Amusement Park Science showcases open-sided, interactive exhibit components which explore the science involved in typical amusement park attractions.

“There is great deal of emphasis on STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) in today’s school curriculum,” GEHC Program Director Jason West said. “This exhibit serves as a wonderful enrichment opportunity for kids and parents to develop a better understanding of the science that is connected to everyday life.”

At the exhibit entrance, visitors are introduced to Newt, a cheerful little amphibian with a passion for scientific exploration. Throughout the exhibit, Newt — whose parents just happened to name him after Sir Isaac Newton, the father of physics — points out and explains various concepts such as Newton’s Laws of Motion, angular momentum and other key physics principles.

Amusement Park Science will be at the GEHC until April 30. The exhibit is sponsored locally by the GEHC Foundation and is included in the price of admission.

For more information, visit www.gwinnettEHC.org.