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Coaster Camp: Roller Coaster Engineering & Simple Machines
Gareth Murray, B.Sc. Engineering
Average rating:5.0Number of reviews:(17)
Students will meet a roller coaster engineer and discover the power of simple machines as the backbone of thrill rides. We’ll travel to Disney World and parks from around the globe to see how simple machines offer thrills to all humanity!
Class experience
US Grade 3 - 6
Taught by a roller coaster engineer, this innovative five-lesson course will lead students to discover the power of simple machines as the backbone of designing and building roller coasters! Through our exploration of the science behind the six simple machines – from the mighty lever to the versatile pulley – students will have the opportunity to deepen their understanding of the fundamental principles that guide the mechanical design of various ride systems. These systems will include lift...
5 lessons//1 Week
Week 1Lesson 1The LeverReview the exciting variety of roller coasters that exist. Highlight the instructor’s background and experience as a coaster engineer. Introduce the three types of levers. Explore the way levers are used in roller coaster restraint systems. Feature roller coasters from Six Flags and Cedar Point amusement parks. Students will be given guidance for their roller coaster design projects.Lesson 2The Inclined PlanePlay an interactive coaster trivia game. Introduce the science of the inclined plane. Explore the special ways that Disney World uses inclined planes on some of its most popular rides. Discover a unique application of an inclined plane for a roller coaster that sits on top of a skyscraper. Discuss common misconceptions about the inclined plane. Feature roller coasters in Taiwan and Japan. Students will be given guidance for their roller coaster design projects.Lesson 3The PulleyPlay an interactive game to review concepts from prior lessons. Introduce the physics and mechanical design of the pulley. Examine the fascinating applications of the pulley in launch systems and lift hills on roller coasters at Cedar Point. Feature roller coasters in Saudi Arabia and the United States. Students will be given guidance for their roller coaster design projects.Lesson 4The Wheel & AxlePlay an interactive game to review concepts from prior lessons. Introduce the wheel & axle simple machine. Study the way wheels & axles are used in the design of roller coaster trains, detailing specific train mechanisms. Play an interactive game to reinforce the newly learned technical design concepts and coaster terminology. Feature roller coasters from England, Finland, and Universal Studios (USA). Students will be given guidance for their roller coaster design projects.Lesson 5The Screw and The WedgePlay an interactive review game. Introduce the screw and its various applications in roller coaster construction – from support columns, tracks, and coaster trains. Introduce the wedge and the intriguing ways it is used in roller coaster train design. Feature roller coasters from South Africa, Singapore, and Canada. Students will have the opportunity to present one of their roller coaster projects in class, giving technical explanations of the simple machines utilized in their design.
1. Students will learn the difference between the lever, inclined plane, pulley, wheel & axle, screw, and wedge. 2. Students will develop a technical and scientific understanding of how the six simple machines work. 3. Students will learn how roller coaster engineers use simple machines to design various roller coaster systems. 4. Students will learn how to design their own ride concept and provide technical explanations for how their design uses simple machines.
After engineering two roller coasters for Universal Studios, I have spent the last 20 years teaching kids about the wonderful world of amusement parks and how engineering makes it all possible! I hold a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from Penn State University.
Homework Offered
Assessments Offered
Learner progress will be assessed through class participation and their roller coaster design presentation at the end of the course.Grades Offered
4 files available upon enrollmentThe following learning materials are included with registration and provided as downloadable PDFs: • Printable "Engineer's Notes" for taking notes during class. • Printable "Engineering Paper" for coaster design projects. • Printable "Class Project Instructions" for the capstone class project. • Printable "Course Overview" highlighting the six simple machines.
Average rating:5.0Number of reviews:(17)
Hi, I’m Gareth! After engineering two roller coasters for Universal Studios, I have spent the last 20 years teaching kids about the wonderful world of amusement parks and how engineering makes it all possible! If you have specific preferences...
Group Class
$125
for 5 classes5x per week, 1 week
55 min
Live video meetings
Ages: 8-12
5-12 learners per class
