Roller Coasters

Materials
Runway
Marble

Observe how the marble travels in the runway when it
is in different positions.
How can you make it go faster? Slower?
What happens to the marble when it travels through a
curve?
Can you make the marble go through a loop?
What happens to the marble when it travels through a
loop?
Students record their observations on the Marble
Runways activity sheet (p. 168).

What were the features that made this a
good roller coaster?

Materials:
10 runways – do not cut!
Masking tape
Marble
Cup
Metersticks
Stopwatch
Calculator

Thrill rating – it must have at least 1 loop, 1 curve,
and 1 drop. The more, the better!
Safety rating – the marble has to make it into the
cup placed at the end of the roller coaster.
Your group will present an overview of the features of
your roller coaster including the name and features;
and then demonstrate it for the amusement park
executives and insurance underwriters.

Speed = distance (cm)
time (sec)
We will record the speed on
a class data table.

Let’s build a
roller coasters!
Please be
ready to
present your
roller coaster
at…

Group Distance (cm) Time (sec) Speed (d/t)
1 633.5 cm 2.81 sec 225.44
cm/sec
2
3 644 cm 3.8sec 169.5
cm/sec

Standard 5-1: The student will demonstrate an
understanding of scientific inquiry, including the
foundations of technological design and the
processes, skills, and mathematical thinking
necessary to conduct a controlled scientific
investigation.
5-1.7 Use a simple technological design process to
develop a solution or a product, communicating the
design by using descriptions, models, and drawings.

K-4 Content Standard E: Science and Technology –
Abilities of Technological Design (NSES, p.137-138)
Identify a simple problem
Propose a solution
Implement proposed solutions
Evaluate a product or design
Communicate a problem, design, and solution
5-8 Content Standard E: Science and Technology –
Abilities of Technological Design (NSES, p. 165-166)

3-5.2 Compare the motion of common objects
in terms of speed and direction.
3-5.3 Explain how the motion of an object is
affected by the strength of a push or pull and
the mass of the object.
3-5.4 Explain the relationship between the
motion of an object and the pull of gravity.

5-5.1 Illustrate the affects of force (including
magnetism, gravity, and friction) on
motion.
5-5.2 Summarize the motion of an object in
terms of position, direction, and speed.
5-5.3 Explain how unbalanced forces affect the
rate and direction of motion in objects.

The
Millennium
Force

First continuous-circuit roller coaster
higher than 400 feet
First roller coaster to reach 120 mph
Highest drop of any roller coaster

Creating the design
Collecting the data
Analyzing the data
Social Skills
Works cooperatively in group
Participates without dominating
Stays on task

Modern
Family
Sophia Vergara
filming an
episode of
Modern Family
on location at
Splash
Mountain,
Disneyland
(Notice the
high heels in
her hands!)

http://www.fossweb.com/modulesK-2/index.html
www.learner.org/exhibits/parkphysics/
coaster/