Science 8-The Science Behind Roller Coasters

We started learning about potential & kinetic energy yesterday and the conversation of roller coasters as a prime example of this concept really excited and engaged our class. I promised them some roller coaster resources to here ya go! Watch some videos..some are THRILLING! Then try to created your own roller coaster using the interactives. Can you make the car stay on the track? Are you providing enough potential energy to get the car moving over each hill? What do you notice about the relationship between potential & kinetic energy? Leave a comment with your findings for credit.

Wonderopolis-How Do Roller Coasters Work?

Disney Imagineering

Jason Project-Coaster Creator

FunderCoaster

Energy In a Roller Coaster

Learnier.Org-Roller Coaster Physics

Discovery Kids-Build Your Own Coaster