Marble Rollercoasters and Physics
In this class, we will make marble rollercoasters from household materials, then use them to learn about physics - kinetic/potential energy, speed, velocity, force, and acceleration. #academic
Ashley McLaurin
Average rating:
4.9
Number of reviews:(719)
Popular
Rising Star
What's included
2 live meetings
1 hrs 30 mins in-class hoursHomework
1-2 hours per week. The student will need to complete and test their roller coaster.Assessment
Formative: Frequent questions and prompts to engage in discussion and determine the level of understanding. Summative: Quiz with an answer key provided at the end of class.Class Experience
US Grade 3 - 5
We will have so much fun making rollercoasters from household items. I make my rollercoaster with mainly paper, tape, cardboard, and cardstock, but you can use any available materials, such as paper towel rolls, foam tubing, and more. Class 1, we will learn essential physics concepts determining how our marble will behave in our homemade roller coasters, such as potential energy, kinetic energy, force, speed, acceleration, and more. Then we will work on ideas for our rollercoasters and sketch out or begin building. Class 2, we will come with our complete rollercoaster to practice calculations. Using our rollercoaster data, we will learn how to calculate speed, velocity, acceleration, potential, and kinetic energy. We will take some time to discuss modifications and how to improve our roller coaster designs.
Learning Goals
Apply scientific ideas or principles to design, construct, and test a system's design (rollercoaster).
Understand concepts like potential/kinetic energy, energy transformation, speed, velocity, and acceleration.
Calculate speed, velocity, acceleration, potential energy, and kinetic energy.
Other Details
Supply List
Class 1: Household building materials such as cardboard, paper, cardstock, foam tubes, tape, glue, etc. Also, paper and pencil. Class 2: Bring your roller coasters! You will need a ruler or measuring tape, a timer (this could be on the phone), a pencil, paper, and an optional calculator. Note sheets are added on Sundays.
External Resources
In addition to the Outschool classroom, this class uses:
Joined April, 2020
4.9
719reviews
Popular
Rising Star
Teacher expertise and credentials
Indiana Teaching Certificate in Science
Bachelor's Degree in Science from Ball State University
Welcome to my Outschool profile! I'm an enthusiastic science educator with a passion for inspiring young minds. With over a decade of teaching experience, I specialize in middle and high school sciences, including chemistry, physics, and biology.
My approach to teaching is all about making science relatable, exciting, and empowering for students. I focus not just on the facts but on teaching them how to think like scientists, solve problems, and use scientific language effectively. This builds their confidence and helps them see science as a skill they can master, opening doors to further exploration and advanced studies.
Whether you're looking for ongoing classes, one-time sessions, or semester-long courses, I offer a range of options to suit your needs. I'm also available for personalized tutoring and test preparation. If you are still looking for a time or topic that fits your schedule, feel free to reach out, and I'll do my best to accommodate you.
Let's embark on a journey of discovery and learning together! I can't wait to share my love for science with your students. Contact me to discuss how we can make science come alive in a way that's meaningful and fun for them. See you in class!Reviews
Live Group Class
$30
for 2 classes2x per week, 1 week
45 min
Completed by 56 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 8-11
2-4 learners per class
