Roller coasters
Grades: 4 - 8
Using the Giant Wall, students build a roller coaster and explore the concepts of gravity and energy. After a brief discussion with a facilitator about the forces involved to make roller coasters work students experiment with changing variables to investigate the effect of mass on speed, distance traveled, and energy.
California State Science Standards related to program:
4th Grade
Investigation
and Experimentation: 6.a, 6.b, 6.c, 6.d
5th Grade
Investigation
and Experimentation: 6.b, 6.c, 6.d, 6.e, 6.f, 6.g, 6.h
6th Grade
Investigation and Experimentation: 7.a, 7.b, 7.d, 7.e
7th Grade
Investigation and Experimentation: 7.a, 7.e
8th Grade
Motion: 1.a
Forces: 2.b, 2.c, 2.e
Investigation and Experimentation: 7.a, 7.b, 7.d, 7.e, 7.h
Pre-Activities
Paper Helicopters
Post
Activities
Momentum

Big Lab Field Trips | Where's the Air? | Ladybugs
Boats and Balance | Erosion | Roller coasters