Objective
By the end of this lesson, you will be able to understand the basic concepts of physics related to roller coasters.
Materials and Prep
- Pencil and paper
- Computer or tablet with internet access (optional)
No prior knowledge is required for this lesson.
Activities
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Watch a video about roller coasters to get an idea of how they work.
Search for a kid-friendly video about roller coasters on the internet or use the following link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V8w8Bd6Lr0M
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Create your own mini roller coaster using everyday materials.
Use items such as cardboard tubes, marbles, and tape to build a small roller coaster. Experiment with different designs and observe how the marbles move along the track.
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Draw a picture of your roller coaster.
Use your imagination to draw a colorful and exciting roller coaster. Label the different parts of the roller coaster, such as the loops, drops, and twists.
First Grade Talking Points
- "A roller coaster is a type of ride that goes up and down, and sometimes even flips upside down!"
- "Roller coasters use gravity and momentum to move."
- "When a roller coaster goes up a hill, it gains potential energy. When it goes down a hill, the potential energy turns into kinetic energy, which makes it move fast."
- "Loops and twists on a roller coaster are designed to make the ride more exciting and fun!"
- "Engineers and designers work together to create safe and thrilling roller coasters."