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Governor’s Institute for Career Education and Work Activity

by Joyce Shull, Chiron Thompson and Jackie Santanasto

Title	Design an Awesome Roller Coaster
Standards Addressed	13.2 B Explain and demonstrate the completion of multi-faceted technical tasks of multi-faceted technical tasks using a variety of sources. 13.2 C, 13.2 G, 13.3 C
Brief Overview	Web based inquiry developed at Lehigh University. Students will understand the five properties that make roller coasters move: energy, inertia, friction, centripetal force and gravity through links on the Web site. Next the students will design a roller coaster using a roller coaster simulation Web site.
Grade Level	8th
Content Area(s)	Science, Technology
Other standards supported	ASCA, NSSP, NCDG 1.18 E, 1.1.8A, 1.1.8B, 1.1.8D, 1.1.8F, 1.2.8A, 3.4.7C
Prep Time	Approximately 15 minutes before each session
Implementation Time	Five to six, 45-minute sessions
Learning Objectives	Design a roller coaster utilizing the five properties that impact how a roller coaster works.
Materials Needed	Computer with internet access. A pen or pencil Hand outs (located on  each activity page) Energy- Styrofoam tubing, Marble, Tape, Ruler Inertia- Index or playing card, Plastic cup, Penny Friction-Different types of objects, A wood/metal sheet Centripetal Force- Paper cup, 3 pieces of string/yarn, hole puncher, penny, styrofoam tubing, marble, tape, ruler
Detailed Activity Steps	Follow the links to understand how roller coasters work and complete each activity in the link:   Energy: Lehigh University Inertia: Lehigh University Friction: Lehigh University Centripetal Force: Lehigh University Gravity: Lehigh University Go to Funderstanding, and follow the directions on the Web site.
Theory basis	Experiential Learning Theory
Evaluation/Assessment	Share results on the maximum speed achieved while successfully staying on the track. Write a rationalization why the roller coaster stayed on track. Teacher evaluation.
Comments	Web-inquiry developed by Lehigh University, http://www.lehigh.edu/~amb4/. See site for other quality activities.
Adaptation for at risk kids	Adapt per IEP.
Resources	http://www.funderstanding.com/k12/coaster/ http://search.eb.com/coasters/ http://www.entertainment.howstuffworks.com/roller-coaster.htm http://www.coasterville.com/ http://www.learner.org/exhibits/parkphysics/coaster.html http://www.sciencejoywagon.com/physicszone/lesson/default.htm http://www.amusementpark.net/