Science Buddies
Science Buddies: Converting Potential Energy to Kinetic Energy
If you'd like to investigate the physics of amusement park rides, then this project is for you. You'll build a roller coaster track for marbles using foam pipe insulation and masking tape, and see how much the marble's potential energy...
TeachEngineering
Teach Engineering: Swinging With Style
Students experientially learn about the characteristics of a simple physics phenomenon - the pendulum - by riding on playground swings. They use pendulum terms and a timer to experiment with swing variables. They extend their knowledge...
![The Engineering Place: Roller Coasters [Pdf] Lesson Plan](https://d15y2dacu3jp90.cloudfront.net/images/attachment_defaults/resource/large/FPO-knovation.png "The Engineering Place: Roller Coasters [Pdf] Lesson Plan")
NC State University
The Engineering Place: Roller Coasters [Pdf]
A lesson where young scholars construct a roller coaster and test it under different conditions to learn about force and motion.
Other
Hstry: Roller Coaster Design Brief Template
Interactive site by STEM teacher Mariana Garcia-Serrato in a lesson on physics in which students design, budget for and analyze their own roller coasters.
Other
Six Flags: Great Adventure: Green Lantern Roller Coaster
Learn the facts about one of the tallest and fastest roller coasters in the world.
TeachEngineering
Teach Engineering: Swinging Pendulum
This activity demonstrates how potential energy (PE) can be converted to kinetic energy (KE) and back again. Given a pendulum height, students calculate and predict how fast the pendulum will swing by understanding conservation of energy...
TeachEngineering
Teach Engineering: Swinging Pendulum
This activity shows students the engineering importance of understanding the laws of mechanical energy. More specifically, it demonstrates how potential energy can be converted to kinetic energy and back again. Given a pendulum height,...
Other
Puhinui School: The Atoms Family: The Mummy's Tomb: Raceways
Help the Mummy build a rollercoaster to entertain the Atoms Family monsters by investigating the concepts of kinetic and potential energy.
Other
Funderstanding: Roller Coaster Game
Design your own thrilling coaster and learn about energy and friction.
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...
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.