My child rode a roller coaster

Activity: "My child rode a roller coaster"

Science

• The child learned about motion and forces as they experienced acceleration and deceleration on the roller coaster.
• They gained an understanding of gravity and how it affects their body as they went up and down on the coaster.
• They observed the effects of friction as they felt the brakes slowing down the roller coaster.
• The child learned about potential and kinetic energy as they felt the coaster gaining speed and then slowing down.

Continued development tip: Encourage your child to explore other forms of motion and forces in their daily life. You can have them observe the motion of objects around them, such as cars, bicycles, or even playground swings. Ask them questions about what forces may be at play and how they affect the objects' motion. This will help reinforce their understanding of these concepts.

Book Recommendations

• The Roller Coaster Kid by Mary Ann Blair: Join Billy as he experiences the thrills and excitement of riding a roller coaster for the first time.
• Forces Make Things Move by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley: Discover how different forces, such as gravity and friction, affect the way objects move in this interactive book.
• I Fall Down by Vicki Cobb: Follow a curious boy as he takes a tumble and learns about the force of gravity and how it affects our everyday lives.