Other
Rcdb: Disney World: Attractions: Expedition Everest
Learn about this impressive roller coaster in the "Asia" section of the Disney World Theme Park.
Other
Roller Coaster Database: Cedar Point: Raptor Roller Coaster
Find out about the facts about the Raptor roller coaster, which cost $11.5 million to build in 1994.
Other
Roller Coaster Database: Cedar Point: Gatekeeper Roller Coaster
Learn the facts about the Gatekeeper roller coaster in Sandusky, Ohio. Includes information on the speed, height and materials used to create this popular ride.
Other
Roller Coaster Database: Cedar Point: Corkscrew
Find out about this roller coaster at Cedar Point, which takes riders through a double corkscrew configuration.
Other
Roller Coaster Database: Superman Escape Roller Coaster
Find out when this amazing ride was built, how high it climbs and how fast it soars.
TeachEngineering
Teach Engineering: Building Roller Coasters
In this hands-on activity students learn about the laws of physics by creating a marble roller coaster.
TeachEngineering
Teach Engineering: Kinetic and Potential Energy of Motion
In this lesson, students are introduced to both potential energy and kinetic energy as forms of mechanical energy. A hands-on activity demonstrates how potential energy can change into kinetic energy by swinging a pendulum, illustrating...
Physics Classroom
The Physics Classroom: Circular, Satellite, Rotational: Roller Coaster G Forces
Roller coaster rides are notorious for creating accelerations and g-forces. The magnitude and direction of normal force and gravity during the motion through a coaster's loop are depicted this animation.
Read Works
Read Works: Up to Speed
[Free Registration/Login Required] An informational text about the science behind roller coasters, including Kingda Ka, one of the tallest and fastest roller coasters in the world. A question sheet is available to help students build...
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.
CK-12 Foundation
Ck 12: Roller Coaster Energy
[Free Registration/Login may be required to access all resource tools.] Some prefer the front seat, some prefer the back seat and others prefer to not even board a roller coaster at the amusement park. What is the science that makes...
Physics Classroom
The Physics Classroom: Work, Energy, and Power: Mechanical Energy Is Conserved
In this interactive exercise, explore the quantitative relationship between work and mechanical energy in situations in which there are no external forces doing work.
Physics Classroom
The Physics Classroom: Circular and Satellite Motion: Amusement Park Physics
In this interactive module, students explore the centripetal acceleration experienced by riders within the circular-shaped sections of a roller coaster track.
Physics Classroom
The Physics Classroom: Circular and Satellite Motion: Roller Coaster Model
An interactive playground for students to explore the physics of roller coasters. Learners investigate by changing the variables of force, velocity, friction, and vectors. Energy bar charts are displayed as the coaster car moves along...
TED Talks
Ted: Ted Ed: How Roller Coasters Affect Your Body
Brian D. Avery investigates what roller coasters are doing to your body and how they've managed to get scarier and safer at the same time.
Annenberg Foundation
Annenberg Learner: Design a Roller Coaster
An interactive lesson where students design and build their own virtual roller coaster. Choose the height of the hills. the shape of the hills. and loop to find out if you successfully used physics concepts to pass the safety and fun...
Other
Funderstanding: Roller Coaster Game
Design your own thrilling coaster and learn about energy and friction.
Alabama Learning Exchange
Alex: This Is How We Roll!
Young scholars take on the role of engineers who need to design a roller coaster. They will explore the history of roller coasters, the different types, and the many things that can affect the success or failure of a roller coaster....
Other
The Coaster Guy: Six Flags: The Viper
Learn facts about this popular Six Flags roller coaster. Also includes a collection of images.
Other
My Physics Lab: Roller Coaster
Create a simplified roller coaster with this simulation by creating a track shape for a ball to travel on. Students can change gravity and damping. Site includes equations to help students understand what is happening in the simulation.
Other
Fear of Physics: Roller Coaster
Use animation and other interactive strategies to help understand physics principles. Change the track and height to see if your ball can make it to the end.
Museum of Science
Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago: Activities: Build a Roller Coaster
Build the roller coaster, then keep making adjustments to see how it affects the potential and kinetic energy of the marble along its tracks.
Curated OER
May the Force Be With You
Students explore the science behind thrill rides, including the physics of a roller coaster, human emotions, and physiological effects on the body. A related article is accessible through free registration.