The document provides instructions for a lesson on designing and building a roller coaster model. Students will research roller coaster physics, design their own coaster, build a model using provided materials, test their design, and present their results to the class. They must incorporate lessons learned from researching engineering concepts and two engineers' lives. Their presentation should discuss changes made from the original design and why, along with a video of their finished roller coaster model.
2. Designing a Roller
Coaster
Review materials in
Blackboard Lesson 2
Design your own
roller coaster
Build a model of
your roller coaster
Evaluate your
project and present
to the class
3. BlackBoard Lesson 2
Resources
• Discover the basics of creating a roller
coaster
• Conduct research on the physics
behind how roller coasters work
• Learn about the lives of two
mechanical engineers
• Develop a better understanding of the
mechanical engineering discipline
4. Designing Your Roller
Coaster
• Work with your assigned group
• Implement the physics concepts you
researched to sketch/plan a roller
coaster
• Experiment with the materials you will
be using to get a better understanding
of these concepts
5. Bringing Your Design to
Life
• Construct your roller coaster using
foam pipe insulation and marble cars
• Test your original design and make
changes as needed
• Challenge yourself to use physics to
develop a more thrilling ride!
6. Presenting to the Class
• Summarize your results in a short
presentation
– Discuss how your finished product is
different from your original plan
– Why did you make these changes?
• Create a video of your presentation
• Be sure to incorporate a successful run
of your roller coaster!
7. Coaster Requirements
and Grading
• Coaster must use only materials
provided
• Additional Points Available!
– Attractive, exciting roller coaster features
• Loops, turns, hills, jumps!
– High quality presentation
• Be sure to include your reasoning and some of
the research that guided your design process!
