Roller Coaster Creator Camp (Physical and Virtual)

Private Ongoing Coding Tutoring

Mrs. Tiffany Taggart

Average rating:4.9Number of reviews:(219)

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!

Class 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...

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.

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.

Working on your coaster after class is completely optional. From my experience running this project with both elementary and middle school students, they LOVE the coaster creator online game. They play it for hours, and usually younger and older siblings want to try their hand at it, too! The game is free, does not require a download, and can be played as often or as little as your child desires.

**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.

Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.

Learning progress is apparent by the end of lesson one. If pupils are listening attentively, answering questions, and engaging with the material, they are progressing as they should be. They will not receive a letter grade for their completed coasters because everyone's abilities and creative skills differ. However, this course will be treated as a pass/fail; if pupils show effort, they pass with flying colors.

2 hours 30 minutes per week in class, and an estimated 0 - 1 hours per week outside of class.

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.

Meet the teacher

Mrs. Tiffany Taggart

Average rating:4.9Number of reviews:(219)

Hi Everyone! I am a STEAM teacher for grades TK-5 at a public elementary school. I have a love for active learning, which can be challenging to facilitate in front of a computer screen. I teach classes that are spin-offs of the 5 elements of...