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...
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: 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...
Science Education Resource Center at Carleton College
Serc: Investigating Speed and Velocity
In this investigation, middle schoolers 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...
TeachEngineering
Teach Engineering: Amusement Park Ride: Ups and Downs in Design
This unit has students design and build foam tubing roller coasters. The design process integrates energy concepts as they test and evaluate their designs that address the task as an engineer would. The goal is for students to understand...
ABCya
Ab Cya: Make a Treehouse
Design the treehouse of your dreams with ABCya's Make a Treehouse! Choose from tree types, wood varieties and more. Would you like to build a house in a rainbow eucalyptus tree? No problem! How about a roller coaster entrance, and a...