Curated OER
Physics of Roller Coasters
Students design a roller coaster and demonstrate their knowledge of Potential and Kinetic Energy. They determine the average velocity a given marble travels on their roller coaster and apply their knowledge of various measurement systems...
CK-12 Foundation
Roller Coaster
Roller coasters rely on both kinetic and potential energy, but how much total energy does a roller coaster need? Scholars vary the mass of a coaster and the height of the initial hill. Graphs showing the types of energy and total energy...
MENSA Education & Research Foundation
Roller Coaster Mania!
Raise the energy level of your physical science class with this exciting hands-on activity. Applying their knowledge of kinetic and potential energy and Newton's laws of motion, young engineers use foam tubing and marbles to create...
Curated OER
Amusement Park Physics
Young scholars conduct a series of experiments on conservation of energy and momentum. In this physics lesson, students investigate the factors affecting the period of the pendulum. They build a roller coaster and calculate the marble's...
DiscoverE
Build a Roller Coaster
Let the good times roll as young thrill seekers build a roller coaster on school grounds. Future engineers design and build a roller coaster from flexible tubing. The roller coaster is for a marble, so there will be plenty of room to let...
Curated OER
Take a Roller Coaster Ride
Young scholars investigate how roller coasters are built. In this physics lesson, students research the laws of physics that affect roller coaster construction. Young scholars create their own roller coaster design.
Anchorage School District
Roller Coaster Project
Emerging engineers work in teams to design pipe insulation roller coasters for marbles that meet specific parameters. They are required to label along the track the areas where kinetic and potential energy are highest and lowest, where...
Curated OER
The Ultimate Roller Coaster Contest
Middle schoolers explain how conservation of energy applies to roller coasters. In this physics lesson, students construct their own coasters according to a specified criteria. They make modifications to their design when necessary.
Curated OER
Roller Coaster Simulator for the Magnetic Chalkboard: Construction Plans
Students watch a demonstration that allows the teacher to show Galileo's inertia experiment and how and why the hills on roller coasters are designed as they are. The roller coaster simulator can be mounted on a magnetic chalkboard;...
Curated OER
Physics of Roller Coasters
Students study the physics used to design today's roller coasters. For this engineering lesson students complete several activities including designing their own roller coaster.
Teach Engineering
Amusement Park Ride: The Ups and Downs in Design
Groups design the ultimate roller coaster by considering potential and kinetic energy. They test their designs using marbles and then go on to rate each group's design based on aesthetics, loop diameter, and cost.
Curated OER
Electricity's Attraction
Middle schoolers explore the different features of a roller coaster using an interactive website. In this physical science lesson, students explain the role of science to make this thrill ride possible. They develop a creative...
Curated OER
Integrating Science and Literature
Maximize time and engage learners by using children's literature in your science lessons.
Curated OER
Ball Bearing Roller Coasters and Teamwork Lab
Students discuss potential and kinetic energy and design roller coasters to study this concept. In this energy instructional activity, students discuss the potential and kinetic energy of a roller coaster. Students design roller coasters...
CK-12 Foundation
Loop-the-Loop
What prevents a roller coaster from falling when it goes upside down? Scholars experiment with a roller coaster simulation controlling the mass of the coaster, the height of the hill, and the radius of the loop. They learn which factors...
CK-12 Foundation
Energy Conservation Simulation
Does the amount of a roller coaster's energy change as it goes along the track? Scholars investigate when a roller coaster has potential and kinetic energy. They observe the changes as it goes up the initial hill follows it throughout...
Curated OER
Roller Coasters Lab
Pupils study kinetic energy and friction and how it pertains to a roller coaster. In this roller coaster instructional activity students complete a lab activity.
Curated OER
May the Force Be With You
Students read an article, brainstorm ideas and prepare journals investigating why people enjoy 'thrill' rides, what forces affect the body on these rides and how they can become dangerous.
University of California
Marble Rollercoasters
Don't let your classes coast through school! Engage them in their learning as they build their own roller coasters to study potential and kinetic energy. Young scholars complete several challenges that require them to consider the...
Curated OER
Boarding School
Students discuss conservation of energy using a skateboarder in the halfpipe or a person on a roller coaster as an example. Using mathematical equations, students examine potential and kinetic energy of the examples. Lesson is completed...
Curated OER
Roller Coasters in the Classroom
Students define kinetic energy and know the effects of weight and speed on momentum. In this investigative lesson students get into groups and design a roller coaster.
Curated OER
What is Energy?
In this potential and kinetic energy worksheet, students will learn how potential energy and kinetic energy are used to make a roller coaster go. Then students will complete 2 short answer questions based on what they read.
Indiana Department of Education
Amusement of the Future
Take your class on the ride of their lives! Physical science scholars get an in-depth look at potential and kinetic energies in an amusement park-themed unit. Students research, design, and promote their own amusement parks, complete...
Curated OER
Acceleration
For this acceleration worksheet, young scholars are given an explanation of the constant acceleration of a roller coaster as it travels up, down and around. Students calculate the acceleration of a roller coaster given its original...