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Teacher Direction Page (Get Prepared)

In setting up this Challenge, the trickiest part may be having enough room to store the roller coasters. As always build one yourself first, but do not show the students.

I would recommend get some foam board, you can change your design to be whatever constraints you want. Here is 11 x 14 (you could make the area 11 x 7

DO NOT give out supplies until Day 4, make students work through the design process, if they don’t, they don’t build.

** Limit supplies below - Examples are below but it depends on your supplies.

Construction Paper (2 Sheets): Assorted colors of construction paper to be used for track supports, loops, and other creative elements.
Small Paper Plates(4 Plates): Can be utilized as bases for the roller coaster model or as part of the track structure.
Craft Sticks(10): Sturdy craft sticks that can serve as beams, supports, or even as part of the track itself.
Straws(10) - Also can be used.
Masking Tape (18”/Day): Used for joining materials together and securing track elements.
2 Hot Glue Sticks
“Wild CARD” - We always recommend a Wild Card supply. Let students with your approval bring in one extra material.

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Criteria	4 - Distinguished	3 - Proficient	2 - Developing	1 - Beginning
Problem-Solving	Consistently identifies challenges and uses effective problem-solving strategies to overcome them.	Identifies challenges and uses problem-solving strategies with minor assistance.	Occasionally identifies challenges but struggles with problem-solving strategies.	Rarely identifies challenges or uses problem-solving strategies effectively.
Critical Thinking	Demonstrates exceptional analytical thinking, considering all factors to optimize design.	Demonstrates good analytical thinking, considering most factors to optimize design.	Demonstrates some analytical thinking but misses key factors in design optimization.	Demonstrates limited analytical thinking, missing most factors in design optimization.
Engineering and Design Principles	Applies engineering and design principles accurately and effectively to create a safe and thrilling ride.	Applies engineering and design principles with minor inaccuracies.	Applies some engineering and design principles but with noticeable inaccuracies.	Rarely applies engineering and design principles accurately.

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Teamwork and Collaboration	Works exceptionally well in a team, with all members contributing equally and effectively.	Works well in a team, with most members contributing effectively.	Works in a team but with uneven contribution and collaboration.	Struggles to work in a team, with minimal contribution from some members.
Creativity and Innovation	Demonstrates high levels of creativity and innovation, designing unique and exciting roller coasters.	Demonstrates good creativity and innovation, designing interesting roller coasters.	Demonstrates some creativity and innovation but designs are somewhat conventional.	Demonstrates limited creativity and innovation, with very conventional designs.
Attention to Detail	Pays exceptional attention to detail, ensuring all aspects of the design are accurate and functional.	Pays good attention to detail, with minor inaccuracies in the design.	Pays some attention to detail but with noticeable inaccuracies in the design.	Pays little attention to detail, resulting in significant inaccuracies in the design.

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Adaptability and Iteration	Easily adapts and iterates designs based on testing and feedback, showing significant improvements.	Adapts and iterates designs with minor improvements based on testing and feedback.	Struggles to adapt and iterate designs, showing minimal improvements.	Rarely adapts or iterates designs, showing little to no improvements.
Presentation and Communication Skills	Presents designs clearly and effectively, articulating design choices and benefits with confidence.	Presents designs clearly with minor issues in articulation of design choices and benefits.	Presents designs with some clarity but struggles to articulate design choices and benefits.	Struggles to present designs clearly and effectively, with poor articulation of design choices and benefits.
Risk Assessment and Safety Awareness	Thoroughly assesses risks and incorporates comprehensive safety measures in the design.	Assesses risks and incorporates safety measures with minor gaps.	Assesses some risks but with noticeable gaps in safety measures.	Rarely assesses risks or incorporates safety measures effectively.
Reflection and Self-Assessment	Consistently reflects on progress and accurately self-assesses strengths and areas for improvement.	Reflects on progress and self-assesses with minor inaccuracies.	Occasionally reflects on progress but struggles with accurate self-assessment.	Rarely reflects on progress or self-assesses accurately.

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Understand the basic principles of roller coaster design
Learn about civil engineering as a STEM career
Analyze some different roller coaster ideas to jumpstart brainstorming

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Roller Coaster

What are the Forces that impact Roller Coasters?

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Lets Skim Through Some Backyard Coasters

Why would someone do this? ��
What Skills would they need to build one?

Where did they learn these skills? Tech Expo?

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Adventure Park, the local amusement park located in New Market MD, is thrilled to invite students to participate in an exciting roller coaster design challenge. The park is planning to introduce a new thrill ride, and they want your creative input to design a model of a roller coaster that will be implemented in their theme park. The objective is to create a roller coaster model that must carry a ping pong ball a minimum distance of 2 feet, have at least one LOOP or TURN, and at least have one point in the ride where a part of the track is lower than the top of the cup, and finally at the end of the ride, the ping pong ball must end up in the cup.

Adventure Park provides the following supplies to each participating student/team:

Construction Paper: Assorted colors of construction paper to be used for track supports, loops, and other creative elements.
Small Paper Plates: Can be utilized as bases for the roller coaster model or as part of the track structure.
Craft Sticks: Sturdy craft sticks that can serve as beams, supports, or even as part of the track itself.
Masking Tape: Used for joining materials together and securing track elements.

In addition to the provided supplies, you are allowed to bring one wild card supply from home to enhance the roller coaster model.

ADVENTURE PARK CHALLENGE

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Thumbnail Sketches

Pull out a sheet of paper and give me two thumbnail sketches of a pong pong roller coaster design

When your Sketch is Complete and Approved By Me you can begin to select team members who are already done. - Keep In Mind If you do not do the key steps you will not be getting supplies.

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Roller Coasters have a few unique parts, highlight their features, such as loops, twists, and drops and explain why the are positioned where they are.

WHAT, WHY, WHEN?

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Pick one of the Engineers below and explain how they are involved in the construction of Roller Coasters

Civil Engineers
Mechanical Engineers

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Criteria: Understanding Roller Coaster Design�4 Points:

The student demonstrates a thorough understanding of roller coaster design.
The student highlights the unique parts of a roller coaster, such as loops, twists, and drops.
The student explains why these elements are positioned where they are.
The explanation includes considerations of physics, safety, and rider experience.

3 Points:

The student demonstrates a good understanding of roller coaster design.
The student mentions the unique parts of a roller coaster, such as loops, twists, and drops.
The student provides some explanation of why these elements are positioned where they are.
The explanation includes some considerations of physics, safety, and rider experience.

2 Points:

The student demonstrates a partial understanding of roller coaster design.
The student mentions some of the unique parts of a roller coaster, such as loops, twists, and drops.
The student attempts to explain why these elements are positioned where they are but lacks detail.
The explanation lacks considerations of physics, safety, and rider experience.

1 Point:

The student demonstrates a limited understanding of roller coaster design.
The student mentions only a few or incorrect unique parts of a roller coaster.
The student provides minimal or no explanation of why these elements are positioned where they are.
The explanation lacks considerations of physics, safety, and rider experience.

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Brainstorm Solutions (5 Points)
Sketch Your Ideas(5 Points)
Explore Possibilities (5 Points)

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This is the 8 STEP Engineering Design Process. It’s a cycle that people use regularly to solve complex problems.

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This Project’s Design Brief

A Design Brief is a written plan that identifies a problem to be solved, its criteria, and its constraints. The design brief is used to encourage thinking of all aspects of a problem before attempting a solution. This project design brief is linked below.

Each team will be given the mission of designing a roller coaster that will carry their ping pong ball a MINIMUM distance of 2 feet, ending with a glorious land in a cup. You must have at least one LOOP or TURN, have a point in the ride where a part of the track is lower than the top of the cup, and finally at the end of the ride, end up in the cup.

Maximum Team Size is 3 to a group, you will not get to select your group UNTIL YOU personally complete Steps 1, 2 & 3 of the design process!!!

Supplies provided may include: 9 oz cup Ping pong ball. Construction Paper, Small Paper Plates, Craft Sticks, & Masking Tape. Keep in mind, your instructor may provide other supplies or tools.

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STEP # 1 Now we have all the Info Identify the Problem

Using the Design Brief, name the Problem: (What are you trying to accomplish?)

What is the goal and objective?

Describe in your own words
Site specific examples

Your Response:

Be sure to use the design brief information and write your response in complete sentences.

Assessment Measure: Creative Communicator (10 points)

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STEP # 2 Identify Criteria & Constraints

Assessment Measure: Creative Communicator (10 points)

Identify Criteria and Constraints CLEARLY (Use the design brief to support your response.)

What exactly should the device do?
What should it not do?
How much time, money, and supplies do you have?

Criteria (Must haves)	Constraints (Limitations)

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STEP 3: Brainstorm Possible Solution(s)

What are some ways you might solve this problem?

Generate as many ideas as you can think of in written form. Be creative!
Highlight the option(s) that seem to be MOST appropriate.
Explain what makes them good options.

Assessment Measure: Innovative Designer(10 points)

My Idea:	Why it’s a good option:
My Idea:	Why it’s a good option:

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STEP 3: Brainstorm Solution(s) Continued...

What are some ways you might solve this problem?

Sketches of your ideas help others better understand your thinking.
Create a few QUICK sketches of your ideas using the digital tool options provided.
Sketch IO
AutoDraw
Draw Island
TinkerCAD
Isometric Drawing Tool

Assessment Measure: Innovative Designer(10 points)

Screenshot your work and paste/crop on the next slide.

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STEP # 3 Sketches Focusing on safety, speed, and excitement

Be sure to crop out any unnecessary screen from your work.

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OK So Tomorrow let's assume that we come into class and I had you your supplies and you can start to build. WHO IS DOING WHAT!!! - Be specific

Team Member 1

Team Member 2

Team Member 3

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Criteria: Understanding Roller Coaster Design

4 Points:

The student demonstrates a thorough understanding of roller coaster design.
The student highlights the unique parts of a roller coaster, such as loops, twists, and drops.
The student explains why these elements are positioned where they are.
The explanation includes considerations of physics, safety, and rider experience.

3 Points:

The student demonstrates a good understanding of roller coaster design.
The student mentions the unique parts of a roller coaster, such as loops, twists, and drops.
The student provides some explanation of why these elements are positioned where they are.
The explanation includes some considerations of physics, safety, and rider experience.

2 Points:

The student demonstrates partial brainstorming skills by generating a limited number of solutions for the roller coaster design.
The student's sketches are basic and lack details, making it difficult to understand their ideas clearly.
The student explores some possibilities but fails to consider all the essential elements of a roller coaster design.
The student's design exploration lacks in-depth consideration of factors like safety, physics, and rider experience.

1 Point:

The student demonstrates limited brainstorming skills by generating minimal or irrelevant solutions for the roller coaster design.
The student's sketches are unclear or absent, making it challenging to understand their ideas.
The student's exploration of possibilities is minimal or nonexistent, lacking consideration of key elements in a roller coaster design.
The student fails to consider factors like safety, physics, and rider experience in their design exploration.

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With Partners Pick Your Final Design
On your Final Sketch LABEL ALL material
Receive supplies and Begin Building after you submit you Final Design

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Why don’t you fall out of a roller coaster when when it is upside down.

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Final Plan

Super Important to decide on a plan and have people in your Group ALL working on your Roller Coaster, if not, you will not get it built.

** When I get your final design today, YOU WILL GET YOUR SUPPLIES

Teamwork will be important.

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STEP # 4 PICK PARTNERS - Brainstorm Alternative Ideas

What happens if your initial design doesn’t work? What could you do instead? What might the outcome be?

All ideas are okay. List everything in written form.

Assessment Measure: Innovative Designer(10 points)

Alternative 1 Required	Description:	My expected outcome:
2 Required	Description:	My expected outcome:
3 Optional	Description:	My expected outcome:

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STEP # 5 Explore Possibilities

Sketch or draw out your 2-3 final designs.

You can do these sketches by hand and post a photo here.
Use your Chromebook camera
Use the digital tools provided earlier in the notebook
And/or submit a video in Schoology

Assessment Measure: Skilled Professional (10 points)

Be sure to list the positives and negatives of your design.(Do this on slide 11.)
Focus on the criteria and constraints as you work (Time, Materials, Tools, etc.) List the important ones.
POST your work on the next slide.

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STEP # 5 Final Idea Drawing

This should be a quality & detailed sketch of your BEST idea and plan, and include the following:

Neat drawing
Labels
Measurement information

Be sure to crop out any unnecessary screen from your work.

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Get Ready to tell me what each team member did in your group today. 5 /4/ 3 Points - YOU TELL ME WHAT YOU DESERVE!!!

Team Member 1

Team Member 2

Team Member 3

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Important TEACHER NOTES

During the next 3 days it will be important to hold students accountable for work, here are a few tips.

Quick Group Presentations: Allocate a few minutes for each group to present their progress at the checkpoint (Beginning, middle, or end of a class). This encourages accountability and engagement as students actively participate in sharing their ideas, challenges, and solutions with the class.
Peer Feedback Stations: Set up designated stations where groups rotate and provide constructive feedback to other groups. This promotes engagement by encouraging students to actively analyze and evaluate the work of their peers, fostering critical thinking and collaboration.
Mini-Quizzes or Concept Checks: Administer brief quizzes or concept checks related to the material covered up to that point. This ensures that students are actively engaging with the content and holds them accountable for their understanding and progress in the class.
Gallery Walk: Create a gallery walk where each group sets up their roller coaster model at a different station. Students rotate and provide written feedback or reflections on each model they visit. This allows for active engagement, peer assessment, and the opportunity for students to learn from one another's approaches.
Think-Pair-Share Discussions: Pose thought-provoking questions related to the roller coaster building process and ask students to think individually, pair up with a partner, and then share their thoughts in a brief discussion. This strategy promotes engagement, encourages students to articulate their ideas, and provides an opportunity for everyone to actively participate in the class.

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Foster teamwork and collaboration among the students as they brainstorm ideas and plan their roller coaster design together.
Demonstrate your ability to construct a stable and functional roller coaster track using the provided supplies, showcasing their understanding of basic engineering principles.

Play A Few Minutes

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3 Days To Build

Day 1 of Build (47 minutes):

Brainstorm and Plan:

Discuss and brainstorm ideas as a team for your roller coaster design.
Determine the layout, including the placement of loops or turns, the starting point, and the ending cup location.
Sketch a rough plan of your roller coaster design, considering the supplies provided.

Track Construction:

Use construction paper and craft sticks to create the main track structure.
Ensure the track is sturdy and secure by using masking tape to join materials together.
Aim for a minimum distance of 2 feet for the track length.

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Day 1 Formative Assessment:

Team Collaboration: Did the team actively participate in brainstorming and planning? (1-5)
Design Concept: Does the roller coaster plan include a clear layout, starting point, and ending cup location? (1-5)
Track Construction: Is the track structure sturdy and securely built using the provided supplies? (1-5)

Checkpoint:

Track Construction: Are the track pieces securely joined and structurally sound?
Team Collaboration: Is the team effectively working together and utilizing everyone's strengths?

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Successfully incorporate at least one loop or turn into their roller coaster design, showcasing their creativity and problem-solving skills.
Evaluate the safety and functionality of their roller coaster design, specifically focusing on the loop or turn element to ensure it functions properly and safely for the ping pong ball.

Play a few minutes

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Day 2 of Build (47 minutes):

Loop or Turn:

Incorporate at least one loop or turn into your roller coaster design.
Use construction paper or other materials to create the loop or turn element.
Test the loop or turn to ensure it functions properly and safely for the ping pong ball.

Lower Track Point:

Add a section in the roller coaster where a part of the track is lower than the top of the cup.
Utilize construction paper, craft sticks, or other supplies to create the descending track section.
Verify that the lower track point allows the ping pong ball to pass beneath the cup successfully.

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Day 2 Formative Assessment:

Loop/Turn Implementation: Has the team successfully incorporated at least one loop or turn into their roller coaster design? (1-5)
Safety and Functionality: Does the loop or turn element function properly and safely for the ping pong ball? (1-5)
Lower Track Point: Has the team successfully added a section where a part of the track is lower than the top of the cup? (1-5)

Checkpoint:

Loop/Turn Implementation: Is the loop or turn element structurally stable and functional?
Safety Awareness: Are the safety considerations being taken into account during the construction process?

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Design and construct the final track section that guides the ping pong ball into the cup accurately and consistently, demonstrating attention to detail and precision in their roller coaster design.
Assess the overall design and aesthetics of their roller coaster, considering factors such as visual appeal, creativity, and the incorporation of all required elements (2 feet distance, loop or turn, lower track point, and cup landing).

Play a few minutes.

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Day 3 of Build (47 minutes):

Cup Landing:

Design and construct the final part of the track that leads the ping pong ball into the cup.
Use construction paper, craft sticks, or other materials to guide the ball into the cup.
Test the cup landing to ensure the ball consistently ends up in the cup.

Final Adjustments and Testing:

Review your roller coaster design and make any necessary adjustments for stability, safety, and aesthetics.
Test the entire roller coaster multiple times to ensure it meets the objectives of carrying the ball at least 2 feet, having a loop or turn, a lower track point, and ending in the cup.
Collaborate and support each other as a team, making improvements and fine-tuning the roller coaster as needed.

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Day 3 Formative Assessment:

Cup Landing: Has the team designed and constructed a final track section that leads the ping pong ball into the cup? (1-5)
Accuracy and Consistency: Does the roller coaster consistently deliver the ball into the cup in multiple tests? (1-5)
Overall Design and Creativity: Is the roller coaster visually appealing and creatively designed? (1-5)

Checkpoint:

Cup Landing: Does the final track section guide the ball accurately towards the cup?
Attention to Detail: Are the finishing touches and aesthetics being considered in the roller coaster design?

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Final Summative Assessment

Category	Excellent (4 points)	Good (3.5 points)	Fair (3 points)	Poor (2.5 point)
Category 1: Design and Planning	Demonstrates highly creative and innovative roller coaster design. Exhibits a clear and thoughtful layout for the roller coaster.	Shows a moderately creative and innovative roller coaster design. Has a mostly clear and thoughtful layout for the roller coaster.	Displays a somewhat creative and innovative roller coaster design. Includes a basic layout for the roller coaster.	Lacks creativity and innovation in the roller coaster design. Has an unclear or inadequate layout for the roller coaster.
Category 2: Construction and Stability	Constructs the roller coaster track with excellent quality, securely joining materials and ensuring stability. Demonstrates exceptional structural integrity.	Constructs the roller coaster track with good quality, mostly securely joining materials and providing stability. Demonstrates satisfactory structural integrity.	Constructs the roller coaster track with basic quality, but may have some issues with joining materials and stability. Demonstrates partial structural integrity.	Constructs the roller coaster track with poor quality, lacking secure joins and stability. Demonstrates weak structural integrity.
Category 3: Functionality	Successfully carries the ping pong ball for a minimum distance of 2 feet.	Mostly carries the ping pong ball for a minimum distance of 2 feet.	Partially carries the ping pong ball for a minimum distance of 2 feet.	Fails to carry the ping pong ball for a minimum distance of 2 feet.
Category 4: Safety and Accuracy	Implements appropriate safety measures, such as barriers or support structures. Consistently delivers the ping pong ball accurately into the cup at the end of the ride.	Implements some safety measures, but may have minor oversights. Mostly delivers the ping pong ball accurately into the cup at the end of the ride.	Lacks sufficient safety measures. Inconsistently delivers the ping pong ball accurately into the cup at the end of the ride.	Fails to implement necessary safety measures. Does not deliver the ping pong ball accurately into the cup at the end of the ride.
Category 5: Presentation and Aesthetics	Exhibits a visually appealing roller coaster design with thoughtful and aesthetically pleasing elements. Shows exceptional attention to detail.	Shows a visually appealing roller coaster design with some thoughtful and aesthetically pleasing elements. Demonstrates satisfactory attention to detail.	Displays a roller coaster design with limited visual appeal. Incorporates basic elements with some attention to detail.	Lacks visual appeal in the roller coaster design. Exhibits minimal attention to detail.

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Roller Coaster Building Concept Check: (Instructor Use) you can spread these questions over multiple days.

What are the objectives of building a roller coaster in this unit? (1 point)
List three supplies provided by Adventure Park for the roller coaster construction. (1 point)
Explain the purpose of incorporating a loop or turn in the roller coaster design. (1 point)
What is the minimum distance that the roller coaster track should be able to carry the ping pong ball? (1 point)
Describe the significance of having a lower track point in the roller coaster design. (1 point)
Name two safety considerations that should be taken into account during the roller coaster construction process. (1 point)
How does the final track section of the roller coaster guide the ping pong ball into the cup? (1 point)
What are the five categories in the final rubric used to assess the roller coaster models? (1 point)
Explain the importance of creativity and innovation in the roller coaster design. (1 point)
How does the roller coaster building unit incorporate principles of STEM education? (1 point)

Note: Each question carries 1 point, resulting in a total of 10 points for the concept check. The questions cover various aspects of the unit, including objectives, supplies, design elements, safety considerations, rubric categories, and the educational value of the project.

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Peer Feedback

Design and Planning:

Did the group's roller coaster design showcase creativity and innovation?
Was the layout of the roller coaster well thought out and visually appealing?

Construction and Stability:

Did the group's roller coaster track demonstrate sturdy construction and structural integrity?
Were the materials securely joined and able to withstand the movement of the ping pong ball?

Functionality:

Did the roller coaster track successfully carry the ping pong ball for the required distance?
How well did the loop or turn element function in the roller coaster design?

Safety and Accuracy:

Were appropriate safety measures incorporated into the roller coaster design?
Did the roller coaster consistently deliver the ping pong ball accurately into the cup?

Presentation and Aesthetics:

Did the roller coaster exhibit visual appeal and attention to detail?
Were finishing touches and aesthetics considered in the overall design?

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