Roller Coaster Physics
Students will learn the laws of physics to create a working roller coaster using materials from around the house.
Krista Austin
Average rating:
4.9
Number of reviews:(142)
What's included
2 live meetings
1 hrs 30 mins in-class hoursClass Experience
Students will learn the laws of motion and physics to help them create a roller coaster using repurposed materials from around the house. We will discuss the physics that enable roller coasters to work. Students will learn about the three laws of motion and essential vocabulary words to better understand how roller coasters work. The students will be introduced to these topics and we will discuss the topics through guided questioning. The students will interact with me, the other students, watch short video clips, and independently create a roller coaster between lessons to present during the second lesson. Students will be encouraged to use their creativity when deciding what to use to build their roller coaster. We will not be building the roller coaster in class together. During the first lesson, students will learn how roller coasters work and we will discuss a few materials they could use to create their roller coaster. Students can use a variety of objects to make their roller coaster. I encourage students to repurpose items from around the house such as books, paper towel tubes, boxes, and old papers. Students will likely need tape to secure their roller coaster together. Students are welcome to use a toy track if they have one already. There is no need to buy new materials for this project, unless the family decides to do so. I will check in with students through messaging in the classroom between the lessons to answer any questions about their creation. During the second lesson, students will show their roller coasters to the class and discuss how it works. We will also discuss how the roller coasters can be improved. Students do not need any prior knowledge of physics to complete this lesson.
Learning Goals
Students will learn basic laws of physics that make roller coasters work. Students will study different roller coasters to determine what key features are needed to make a working roller coaster. Students will build a roller coaster outside of class using what they learned from legos, tubes, popsicle sticks or other household materials.
Other Details
Supply List
A variety of materials to create a roller coaster. Legos, paper towel tubes, books, popsicle sticks, pipe cleaners, pool noodles, boxes, ect. Students will likely need tape to hold their repurposed materials together. Painters tape works well to attach anything to a surface that you do not want damaged.
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Joined June, 2020
4.9
142reviews
Teacher expertise and credentials
As a traditional teacher, I taught physics to my seventh grade students. My students competed in groups using pipe insulation tubes and marble to create the best roller coasters with the most loops and hills as possible. Reviews
Live Group Class
$20
for 2 classes2x per week, 1 week
45 min
Completed by 117 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 8-13
3-8 learners per class
