Roller Coaster Engineering

By: Ms. Caitlin May

 Objectives & Pertaining Core Standards
Objectives of this lesson are:
To be able to demonstrate that gravity is a naturally occurring force that pulls
objects toward the center of the Earth.
To be able to describe and demonstrate the difference between potential and
kinetic energy
To be able to work together as a team to complete a given design challenge with
constraints
Core Standards:
Idaho State Standards
6th Grade Physical Science standard 6.S.2.2.1: Describe the effects of different
forces (gravity and friction) on the movement, speed, and direction of an object.
Next Generation Science Standards
MS-PS3-2: Develop a model to describe that when the arrangement of objects
interacting at a distance changes, different amounts of potential energy are stored
in the system.
MS-PS3-5: Construct, use, and present arguments to support the claim that when
the kinetic energy of an object changes, energy is transferred to or from the object.
 Vocabulary You Should Know

Gravity: a force the pulls objects toward

the center of Earth
Energy: the ability to do work
Potential Energy: The energy of position;
energy that is stored and held in
readiness (waiting to move)
Example: a ball held in the air, sitting
still
Kinetic Energy: The energy of motion. An
object in any form of motion has kinetic
energy This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY-SA

Example: running, walking, dancing, What kind of energy is this

rolling, bouncingect.
yellow ball demonstrating?
 Vocabulary You Should Know
Gravity: a force the pulls objects toward
the center of Earth
Energy: the ability to do work
Potential Energy: The energy of position;
energy that is stored and held in
readiness (waiting to move)
Example: a ball held in the air, sitting
still
Kinetic Energy: The energy of motion. An
object in any form of motion has kinetic
energy This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY-SA

Example: running, walking, dancing, What kind of energy is this

rolling, bouncingect. yellow ball demonstrating?
 What Will You Be Doing?

Work together in groups to construct your roller coaster and fill out the
worksheet provided.
Be ready to answer some questions as a class after the activity.

What materials does each group need?

*This Worksheet will be
1 worksheet for a grade so make sure
1 marble all group members names
1 strip of pipe insulation (tubing) are on it*
1 roll of masking tape
1 small cup
 Rules & Expectations

Work together, everyone should be participating

Be courteous of the other groups space.
Your rider (marble) should not fall out of your roller coaster, and
should end the ride in the cup provided.
You must have at least one loop-the-loop in your roller coaster.
You must use all of your tubing, please do not cut it.
Have Fun!
 Summary

Work with your group, following the rules, to create your roller coaster
DO NOT cut the tubbing

Make sure everyones names are on the worksheet

Have Fun!
 Check For Understanding

Make sure everyones names are on the worksheet and turn it in.
Which hill had to be the tallest in order for the rider (marble) to make it
through the entire coaster?
Answer: The first hill
Can anyone tell me when the rider (marble) had the most potential energy?
Answer: at the top of the first hill
Why was it that when the marble went through the loop-the-loop it didnt
just fall out?
Answer: Gravity, holding it onto the tubbing
 Looking for More Information?

Chapter 5 in your text book has more information on gravity and the laws of
motion.
Check it out on p.53