Roller Coaster Project! 

Purpose: This project will be a culminating project of the concepts of physics we covered during the second and third quarter. It will allow you to demonstrate your knowledge of matter, energy, and motion, as well as other areas that may apply. It is meant to be a fun project to do in class as a group. No one student is responsible for all portions of this project. All members of the group should perform work. All work should take place in class in groups of four people or fewer.

 

Introduction: Wolf's Lair has been hearing from its customers that their roller coasters are boring. The public is threatening that if the amusement park does not build a new, more exciting roller coaster they will stop going to the amusement park. 

 

You are part of a team of engineers that has just been asked to submit a new roller coaster design to the amusement park. Using the concepts of matter, motion, and energy, design and build a model of a workable roller coaster that could be built in Wolf's Lair. To appease the public, your roller coaster must have a “thrill factor.” There must be at least one loop, at least one turn, at least two hills, and if possible, a “jump.” 

 

Your roller coaster also needs to be safe for the public, so you will also need to calculate the speed, PE and KE on various locations of your roller coaster. You will need to be able to explain your roller coaster to the board of directors of Six Flags. 

 

You will need to include in your explanation why you think your roller coaster is the “best choice” and should be built in the amusement park. Keep in mind that the board of directors is made up of a team of scientists. You will want to impress them with your knowledge of how matter, motion and energy help your roller coaster work, why it is safe to ride, and why it is “thrilling.”

 

Rules 

1. Your roller coaster must fit within the confines of your “construction area.” There is no height limit, and you may not intrude on another group’s area without their permission. 

2. Your roller coaster must bring your marble safely to a stop. Drops and jumps are permitted, but the marble must be safely caught by the track without getting stuck. 

3. Hills and loops must involve trading kinetic energy for potential energy. Horizontal loops are considered turns. 

4. You may use any of the provided materials to construct your rollercoaster, but you only have approximately 5 class periods to build your coaster.

5. Extra time will not be permitted. Deadlines are absolute. Absences or unexpected school closures will not result in extra time. 

6. Your group is responsible for completely removing your roller coaster and cleaning the surrounding area after each project day.