The end of the year in 8th grade physics class is full of real life science, engineering, math, and a field experience to Great America! The students put their physics knowledge to the test by riding roller coasters and other rides, determining speed, acceleration, and which forces were acting on them. Then they applied Newton’s 3 Laws of Motion to see how physics plays a key role in the design, fun and safety of roller coasters. Students timed the rides, wore accelerometers to test the amount of g-force the ride exerted on their body and filled out a packet to show their understanding.
Next, the 8th graders used the rides at Great America as inspiration for their culminating project in class: building their own roller coaster! Each group made an 8-foot long coaster for a marble to ride. The design criteria for the coasters included: having at least one loop, a slow down stop, and be decorated – as many themed coasters tend to be. Coasters created included the Shark Drop, Wow that ride is fire, Flap Jack, and the Kachow!
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