January 07, 2026

The Engineering Expedition

Ziplining is thrilling, but there’s a lot more to it than meets the eye. At ACE Adventure Resort, our Engineering Expedition gives students a hands-on opportunity to explore the science, engineering, and critical thinking behind the ziplines they ride all while meeting curriculum standards.

This full-day STEM experience allows teachers to connect textbook lessons with real-world applications, helping students understand the engineering process from planning to execution.

Learning Objectives

During the expedition, students will:

  • Learn the differences between topographical and physical maps
  • Explore the science and strength of construction and safety equipment
  • Practice critical thinking by reading blank maps to locate areas of interest
  • Understand the physics and design of safety equipment used on ziplines

Guiding Questions

Students engage with questions that encourage exploration and problem solving, such as:

  • What is the difference between physical and topographical maps?
  • How does gravity affect zipline speed?
  • Can a zipline be built anywhere, or does it require specific conditions?
  • Can a zipline be made with any materials, or are some better than others?
  • How do height and weight influence zipline speed?
  • How has the zipline and adventure industry impacted other fields?

Hands-On Activities

The Engineering Expedition is packed with interactive lessons:

  1. Map Understanding
     Students learn to read local West Virginia maps as well as maps of their home state. They explore the tools builders use to plan a safe and functional zipline course.
  2. Material Strength
     Through demonstrations of various construction materials, students learn why certain materials are chosen over others based on strength and safety requirements.
  3. Safety Equipment Display
     Students see the exact safety gear they will use and discover how it is designed to keep them secure during their adventure.
  4. Trolley Engineering
     Working in teams, students design and test their own trolleys on a small-scale zipline. Using a variety of materials and weights, they learn firsthand how design and physics impact performance and safety.
  5. Ziplining Experience
     After testing their trolleys, students experience nine ziplines and two sky bridges. They see the principles they’ve studied in action and gain a deeper understanding of how design, physics, and materials affect speed, safety, and performance.

Two friends enjoy ziplining in the New River Gorge of West Virginia at ACE Adventure Resort.

Why Choose Engineering Expedition?

The Engineering Expedition at ACE Adventure Resort combines adventure with learning. Students gain critical STEM skills, experience problem-solving in teams, and connect classroom knowledge with real-world applications all in a safe and fun environment.

For teachers looking to enrich curriculum with hands-on STEM experiences, this full-day program offers an unforgettable adventure that blends science, engineering, and excitement.

Interested in learning more? Complete our Request a Quote form and one of our Adventure Consultants will reach out to review options! 



Tanya Humphrey

Haynes moved to West Virginia in 2001 to spend a summer as a guide and video boater in the whitewater rafting on the New and Gauley Rivers. One summer became nineteen and he made the New River Gorge his home.

After transitioning into the 9 to 5 marketing agency life in 2005, he is now serving as the Marketing Director at ACE Adventure Resort. You’ll also find him fishing, trail running, and gardening.

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