Objective

By the end of this lesson, you will understand the basic principles of roller coasters and how they work.

Materials and Prep

• Paper and pencil
• Access to a computer or tablet for research (optional)

No prior knowledge is necessary for this lesson. Just come with an open mind and be ready to learn!

Activities

• Create a Roller Coaster Design: Draw a roller coaster on a piece of paper. Think about the different elements you want to include, such as loops, hills, and twists. Be creative!
• Research Famous Roller Coasters: Use a computer or tablet to research famous roller coasters around the world. Find out interesting facts about their design, height, and speed.
• Build a Mini Roller Coaster: Using materials you have at home, such as cardboard tubes, tape, and marbles, create a mini roller coaster. Experiment with different track designs and see how the marble moves through the coaster.

Talking Points

• Gravity: Gravity is the force that pulls everything towards the center of the Earth. It helps roller coasters move down hills and gain speed.
• Inertia: Inertia is the tendency of an object to resist changes in its motion. When a roller coaster goes around a curve, inertia wants to keep the coaster moving in a straight line, but the track forces it to turn.
• Energy: Roller coasters convert potential energy (stored energy) into kinetic energy (energy of motion). When the coaster goes down a hill, its potential energy decreases and its kinetic energy increases.
• Friction: Friction is a force that opposes motion. Roller coasters have wheels and smooth tracks to reduce friction, allowing the coaster to move smoothly and quickly.
• Design: Roller coasters are carefully designed to ensure the safety and enjoyment of riders. Engineers consider factors like speed, height, and forces acting on the body when designing a roller coaster.