built a roller coaster from paper

Science

• The child learned about potential and kinetic energy by observing how the roller coaster gained and lost energy as it moved.
• They gained an understanding of gravity and how it affected the speed and movement of the roller coaster.
• Through trial and error, they learned about forces and how different designs impacted the motion of the roller coaster.
• They explored the concept of friction as they observed how different materials affected the speed and smoothness of the roller coaster's movement.

For continued development, encourage the child to explore the principles of physics further by creating more complex roller coaster designs. They can experiment with different materials, heights, and angles to see how it impacts the motion. They could also research real-life roller coasters and learn about the engineering concepts behind their construction.

Book Recommendations

• The Thrilling World of Roller Coasters by John R. Erickson: This book takes young readers on a journey through the history and science of roller coasters, explaining concepts such as gravity, speed, and engineering.
• Roller Coaster by Marla Frazee: This beautifully illustrated picture book follows a group of mice as they build their own roller coaster and experience the thrill of the ride.
• Physics in Motion: The Science of Roller Coasters by Wendy Sadler: This book explores the physics principles behind roller coasters, providing interactive experiments and explanations to help children understand concepts such as potential and kinetic energy.