Coaster Crazy

In your team of 3 each person will choose their specific and important role. The roles are historian, physicist, and engineer. Each person has specified steps and information they must gather. 

Step 1: Each member will keep an Information Journal (Google Presentation). Each activity has a list of questions you must answer, information you must gather, or things you must do in your Information Journal (Google Presentation).

Step 2: You will complete the first steps as a team.

1) In your Information Journal (Google Presentation) answer the following questions to assess your prior knowledge:

     a) What have been your experiences on roller coasters?

     b) What have you felt when you were on the roller coasters?

     c) What forces and motion were you feeling on the roller coasters?

2) Watch the video called "Build it Bigger: Kinetic Madness"  and answer the following questions about the video:

     a) From watching the video, what do you think potential energy is?

     b) What do you think kinetic energy is?

     c) Any other information you must consider when designing your coaster?

Step 3: Choose your role and complete the information below about your job. Be sure you record the information you collected in your Information Journal (Google Presentation).

Historian: The historian collects and analyzes historical information including facts, data, and statistics. Visit the links below and answer the questions in your Information Journal.

1. Click here to research the history of roller coasters. What was the name and speed of the first coaster built at Coney Island? Using the information from this web page and the two others below, create a time line that includes details such as name, date, and design. Include a paragraph about what has been the greatest reason or influence for this change.

Other websites:

Thrill Ride

Pictorial Time line

Ultimate Roller Coaster Database

2. Lawsuits have come about because of injuries on roller coasters and other thrill rides at theme parks. Are roller coasters safe? Does the size or speed of the roller coaster have an effect on the safety of the ride? Click on the links below to find out.

All About Roller Coasters

How Safe?

How Roller Coasters Work Be sure to watch the video as well.

Physicist: Lists and describes the energy and other physical effects of roller coasters. Visit the links below and answer the questions in your Information Journal (Google Presentation).

1. Visit here to determine what different types of energy are acting on a roller coaster. Most roller coasters are only powered by one thing, what is it?

Other Websites:

Friction and Gravity Play this simulation to determine the effects of gravity and friction on a roller coaster

Centripetal Force

2. Discover Newton's Laws of physics by visiting the sites below. Then create a diagram to explain the three laws.

Websites:

Newton's Laws

NASA's Explanation

Engineer: The engineer studies the designs and features of a roller coaster and plan's the roller coaster on paper.

1. Research the difference between wooden and metal roller coasters. describe what you found in your Information Journal (Google Presentation).

Websites:

Metal vs Wooden

The Great Debate

2. After visiting the websites below, create a blueprint (sketch) of your roller coaster using the app Sketch Pad. Calculate the approximate slope of all downhill and uphill slopes.

Websites:

How to Calculate Slope

Properties of Slope

Step 4: Come back together as a group and complete "Final Steps" below. in which you will finalize the plan and create your roller coaster.

1. Collaborate your information with your group members to create your final presentation.

2. Finalize the plan for the roller coaster. 

3. Create your 3D model of your roller coaster. Be sure to include a card/sign displaying your group member's names. You can use your lunch/recess time to come to Miss Eckfeld or Mrs. Davis' classroom to work on your 3D model. Each grade will have it's own day: Tuesday ~ 4th Grade  Wednesday ~ 5th Grade   Thursday ~ 6th Grade.