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The Arizona STEM Acceleration Project

Roller Coasters Lesson 3 of 4

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Physics Roller Coasters Lesson 3 of 4

A 6th grade STEM lesson

Jenifer Henson

11/28/23

Notes for teachers

Have students work in groups of 2-4
Have a supply table for students to get supplies from
Use painters tape when taping to the wall or painted surface
If you do not have enough computers for each student, print out the journal
If your room does not allow for large roller coasters, you can scale it down to make paper roller coasters (you will need to change the directions and budget sheet)

List of Materials

Roller coaster journal: https://docs.google.com/document/d/17rspSzthKNoB5uTOC4RMATsLshaXUE3Wk2A4CiSN0-w/edit?usp=sharing
computers for students
masking tape
painters tape
scissors
pool noodles
felt
sand paper
saran wrap
cardboard
cardstock
dowels/skewers
cardboard tubes
popsicle sticks
paper plates
rubber bands
straws
pvc pipe
plastic cup
marbles

Standards

Science Standard

6.P4U2.5 Analyze how humans use technology to store (potential) and/or use (kinetic) energy.

Math Standard

6.NS.B.3 Fluently add, subtract, multiply, and divide multi-digit decimals using a standard algorithm for each operation.

Engineering Practices

Ask questions about what would happen if a variable is changed.
Ask questions that can be investigated and predict reasonable outcomes based on patterns such as cause and effect relationships.
Define a simple design problem that can be solved through the development of an object, tool, process, or system and includes several criteria for success and constraints on materials, time, or cost.
Collaboratively develop and/or revise a model based on evidence that shows the relationships among variables for frequent and regular occurring events.
Develop and/or use models to describe and/or predict phenomena.
Develop a diagram or simple physical prototype to convey a proposed object, tool, or process.
Use a model to test cause and effect relationships or interactions concerning the functioning of a natural or designed system.

Objective:

Today we will design and build roller coasters.

Agenda (2-4 class periods (50 minutes each))

Show students the roller coaster video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4oOXGIM2X2I
Go over the directions for the activity in the students’ journals
Have students create their sketch that includes the potential and kinetic and energy and the materials needed.

4. Once students have their sketch, have them start building their roller coasters and keep track of their budget on the budget sheet.

Intro/Driving Question/Opening

As you watch, think about how engineers design and build roller coasters

Hands-on Activity Instructions

Students will sketch their roller coaster designs and label the potential and kinetic energy and the materials needed
Students will build their roller coasters and keep track of their materials in their budget sheet of their journal

Assessment

Monitor students as they build and test the roller coasters

Check students’ journals for responses

Differentiation

Give students set materials they can use without a budget sheet.

Remediation

Extension/Enrichment

Create an advertisement for your rollercoaster on Canva.