This video segment explains centripetal force and illustrates how roller coasters rely on it to give you a thrilling ride. Includes background reading material and discussion questions. [4:40]

Students design and build a three hill "tennis ball" roller coaster made of cardboard. During the design and building process, students explore the concepts of potential and kinetic energy and how they change as the roller coaster...

In this hands-on activity students learn about the laws of physics by creating a marble roller coaster.

Design your own thrilling coaster and learn about energy and friction.

Crystal Beach in Fort Erie, Ontario was, until 1989, the home to an amusement park and a famous roller coaster, the Crystal Beach Cyclone. Information is provided on the history of this popular Ontario vacation spot.

Using computer simulation, young scholars will explore the concept of conservation of energy at a skate park. After the completion of that exercise, students will move to a worksheet about the concepts with a roller coaster. Site...