Roller Coaster Creator Camp (Physical and Virtual)
There has never been a more engaging way to immerse elementary students into the world of rollercoaster engineering. Pupils learn the basics of potential and kinetic energy, practice creating virtual coasters, and then build mock ones!
Mrs. Tiffany Taggart
Average rating:
4.9
Number of reviews:(219)
What's included
6 live meetings
5 in-class hoursClass Experience
**This live class will return in late summer, 2021** Don't let the title fool you - this class is FUN and not HARD. It will require some dexterity and patience, but the potential and kinetic energy math is calculated for the students by the educational learning program they will using to create virtual rollercoasters. This class has been a monumental success at my public school. Students ages 9 and above can grasp that our world has gravity and other invisible forces. Students will be introduced to potential and kinetic energy, they will interact with the forces on a fun rollercoaster creator educational video game, and they will use items from home to build their own coasters. I use a mix of direct instruction, hands-on active learning, and collaborative discussions to fuel student excitement and learning. Topics weekly breakdown: Week one: M1: Intro to gravity and potential and kinetic energy. Begin creating virtual coasters. M2: Get a "success" on the rollercoaster game and begin designing your own physical coaster. M3: Finish coaster blueprints and begin building physical coasters or gather materials. Week two: M1: Refresh memories about potential and kinetic energy; continue building coasters M2: Build physical coasters + King Da Ka documentary M3: Finish build physical coasters, calculate velocity, and see classmates' designs
Learning Goals
Students will improve their understanding of forces and accomplish a huge engineering feat! Scholars will be ready for middle school math; already ahead of their peers with their knowledge of potential and kinetic energy. This project will also prepare your elementary students for future Science & Engineering fairs. They will practice patience, planning, and perseverance.
Other Details
Parental Guidance
Some parental guidance after class may be helpful. Attempting the construction of a rollercoaster for the first time could be overwhelming. I do not expect giant wooden coasters to be built in a few days time. I expect learners use paper and/or straw, or other easily manipulated materials.
Supply List
**Please make sure that during the first week of camp, students have access to a laptop or computer in order to play our virtual Coaster Creator game. The game link does not always work on iPads or tablets.** Materials will vary from student to student. I encourage pupils to utilize materials they have at home that are lightweight and easily manipulated. I recommend cardstock paper, straws, lots of tape, and a hard board such as cardboard or a plastic tray to build the coaster onto. Please note, students will need quite a bit of tape or glue.
External Resources
In addition to the Outschool classroom, this class uses:
Joined April, 2020
4.9
219reviews
Teacher expertise and credentials
I am a STEAM teacher for grades 1-5 at a public elementary school in CA. I teach 600 students weekly. I have taught my Rollercoaster Unit at the elementary and middle school levels, and have been blow away by students' creativity, drive, and stamina. I assist, encourage, and applaud as these fascinating coaster creations come to life.
I hold a Bachelors in Business Marketing, a Multiple-Subjects Teaching Credential, and a Masters of Education in Curriculum and Instruction. I have substitute taught in five districts across five years; I have experience teaching preschool-12th grade, special education day classes, general education, summer school, and tutoring classes. Reviews
Live Group Class
$89
for 6 classes3x per week, 2 weeks
50 min
Completed by 98 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 9-13
6-8 learners per class
