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...
Curated OER
Roller Coaster Fun
Third graders examine the effects of gravity on how an object moves. In groups, they design a roller coaster, share their design with the class and build the roller coaster. They roll different sized balls down the track and record the...
Curated OER
Mathematical Modeling and Physics
Twelfth graders use a web site to investigate roller coaster physics. For this mathematical modeling lesson, 12th graders are grouped according to their performance on a test. Each group is given an activity to complete on a web site...
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
Turn It Upside Down: Introduction to Computer-Aided Design
High schoolers explore a computer-aided design program. Students chart out roller coaster design, computer graphics and architecture. High schoolers focus on understanding the connections between mathematics, science, technology and...
Alabama Learning Exchange
This Is How We Roll!
Students research how roller coasters work. In this physics lesson, learners research the history of roller coasters and the safety factors in the design of a roller coaster on the website www.learner.org/exhibits/parkphysics. They...
Curated OER
Roller Coasters Lab
Students study kinetic energy and friction and how it pertains to a roller coaster. In this roller coaster lesson students complete a lab activity.
Curated OER
Rockin Roller Coaster
Students discuss gravitational potential energy, kinetic energy, and the relationship between potential and kinetic energy. They create a working roller coaster from provided materials and criteria then evaluate each roller coaster. They...
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
ROLLER COASTERS IN THE CLASSROOM
Students define potential and kinetic energy and explain the relationship of height to potential energy. For this roller coaster lesson students construct a model of a roller coaster which will allow them to see the basic physical laws.
Curated OER
What is Energy?
In this potential and kinetic energy activity, 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
Energy - What Are Potential and Kinetic Energy?
Beginning with a review of seven types of energy, this presentation teaches the concepts of kinetic and potential energy. Using a roller coaster as the object in motion, a brief explanation is offered. The grainy photographs may detract...
Clarkson University
Understanding Energy (With a Pendulum)
Have you ever wanted to play with a giant pendulum? An experiment allows small groups to do just that. They gather data and make observations as they complete the included worksheet. The lesson plan lays out each instruction including...
Curated OER
Potential and Kinetic Energy
Sixth graders explore potential and kinetic energy. In this science lesson plan, 6th graders assume the role of a roller coaster engineer and design a roller coaster. Students use their knowledge of kinetic and potential energy to design...
Polytechnic Institute of NYU
Potential vs. Kinetic Energy
Legos in science class? Watch your pupils fall in love with this activity. After learning to measure potential and kinetic energy, young scientists create their own ramps using Lego Mindstorm sensors and software.
New York State University
Law of Conservation of Energy
Become energy efficient with a presentation that covers the Law of Conservation of Energy with friction. It also includes energy transformations, power, and units of measurement.
Curated OER
Acceleration
For this acceleration worksheet, students 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 velocity,...
Curated OER
Ultimate Ride Coaster Deluxe
Eighth graders describe the energy transformations as cars travel over a roller coaster. They explain the principle of conservation of energy as it relates to a roller coaster ride. The integration of technology is done using educational...
Curated OER
May The Force Be With You
Eighth graders investigate Newton's Laws of Motion. They use the example of a roller coaster for illustration purposes. A force associated with a roller coaster is tested, data graphed, and a conclusion is drawn. They use excel in order...
Curated OER
Ride the Arctic Climate Rollercoaster
Middle schoolers view interactive CD-ROM entitled The Arctic Climate Roller Coaster, research evidence of changes in climate through the years, record ways people responded to changes, and create short presentations to share evidence...