Curated OER
Roller Coaster Ride
In this roller coaster ride worksheet, students complete 5 statements related to an imagined roller coaster ride that they have just experienced. First, they explain why they were excited and how fast the roller coast went. Then,...
Curated OER
Roller Coaster Ride 2
In this roller coaster ride worksheet, students complete 5 statements about imagining they had just experienced riding on a roller coaster. First, they describe how excited they were and why. Then, students describe how fast the roller...
Curated OER
Roller Coaster Mania
Fifth graders extend their knowledge of developing maps. They work in cooperative groups to develop an amusement park display and a brochure.
Curated OER
Magic Mountain Coaster Computation
Students use the Internet to do research on the roller coasters at Magic Mountain Amusement Park. They must use mathematical formulas to calculate the highest and fastest coaster at the park.
Other
Roller Coaster Database: Worldwide Roller Coaster Data
This is a comprehensive research database with data on over 6,300 roller coasters all over the planet.
Science Education Resource Center at Carleton College
Serc: Investigating Speed and Velocity
In this investigation, students will work in groups to design a model roller coaster, which will be used to clock the fastest speed for the rider (ball bearing/marble) The groups will build roller coaster models and modify and adjust...
Read Works
Read Works: Energy Screams
[Free Registration/Login Required] An informational text about potential and kinetic energy on a roller coaster.. A question sheet is available to help students build skills in reading comprehension.
Read Works
Read Works: Are Roller Coasters Safe?
[Free Registration/Login Required] An informational text about scientists studying the safety of roller coasters. A question sheet is available to help students build skills in reading comprehension.
Wikimedia
Wikipedia: Crystal Beach, Ontario
Crystal Beach in Fort Erie, Ontario was, until 1989, the home to an amusement park and a famous roller coaster, the Crystal Beach Cyclone. Information is provided on the history of this popular Ontario vacation spot.
Annenberg Foundation
Annenberg Learner: Amusement Park Physics: The Principles of Free Fall
An article describing free fall principles in roller coaster rides. In addition to the explanation of free fall, an experiment is described that allows you to test free fall with a cup of water. Part of a larger presentation on roller...
