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PBS

Pbs Learning Media: Centripetal Force: Roller Coaster Loops

For Students 9th - 10th
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]
Lesson Plan
Discovery Education

Discovery Education: The Ultimate Roller Coaster Contest

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Middle schoolers 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...
Activity
TeachEngineering

Teach Engineering: Building Roller Coasters

For Teachers 7th - 9th
In this hands-on activity students learn about the laws of physics by creating a marble roller coaster.
Activity
Science Buddies

Science Buddies: Converting Potential Energy to Kinetic Energy

For Students 9th - 10th
If you'd like to investigate the physics of amusement park rides, then this project is for you. You'll build a roller coaster track for marbles using foam pipe insulation and masking tape, and see how much the marble's potential energy...
Activity
Science Buddies

Science Buddies: Fear Factor: Using Pulse Rate to Measure Emotion

For Students 6th - 8th
Do you remember a situation when you heart pounded, your breath rate shot up, and your palms got cold and clammy? Fear does that to us. Here's a science project based on roller coaster rides to see if heart rate is an accurate...
Lesson Plan
Alabama Learning Exchange

Alex: This Is How We Roll!

For Teachers 3rd - 5th
Students take on the role of engineers who need to design a roller coaster. They will explore the history of roller coasters, the different types, and the many things that can affect the success or failure of a roller coaster. Finally,...
Handout
Wikimedia

Wikipedia: Crystal Beach, Ontario

For Students 9th - 10th
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.
Lesson Plan
Better Lesson

Better Lesson: Skate Park Energy

For Students 9th - 10th
Using computer simulation, learners 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 includes...

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