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The Arizona STEM οΏ½Acceleration Project

2025

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Roller Coaster STEM Challenge: Harness the Power of Forces!

In this hands-on STEM challenge, 4th graders become engineers by designing, testing, and optimizing miniature roller coasters! Students will:

  • Investigate forces (gravity, friction) and energy transfer (potential β†’ kinetic)
  • Apply the engineering design process to solve real-world problems like loops and drops
  • Discover cause-and-effect relationships (e.g., higher hills = faster speeds)

Nidia Hurtado Diaz

A 4TH GRADE STEM LESSON

The Arizona STEM Acceleration Project

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Notes for teachers

Lesson Overview

πŸ—οΈ Roller Coaster STEM Challenge�⏰ Time: 1+ hourοΏ½πŸ‘₯ Groups: 4 students each

πŸ”§ 5E Model:

  1. Engage: Hook with coaster crash video
  2. Explore: Build & test foam track designs
  3. Explain: Share findings, teach key terms
  4. Elaborate: Redesign with loops/banks
  5. Evaluate: Group presentations + exit ticket

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List of Materials

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🎒 Roller Coaster Challenge Materials

πŸ”§ Build & Test

  • Foam tubes | Marbles | Timer

πŸ“š Engage & Inspire

  • Coaster simulation video
  • Roller Coaster book excerpt

πŸ“ Document Designs

  • Sketch worksheets β†’ Upgrade to STEM notebooks!

⚠️ Rulers, protractors, real coaster blueprints

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Arizona Sciences Standards

  • 4.P4U1.3: Energy transfer (gravity, magnetism, systems)
  • 4.P4U1.2: Model energy movement (electric currents)
  • 4.P3U1.1: Wave energy changes (reflection/absorption)

πŸ”¬ Science & Engineering Practices (SEPs)

1. Ask questions β†’ Define problems (4.P4U1.3)

2. Model forces/energy (4.P4U1.2, 4.P3U1.1)

3. Investigate β†’ Test designs (4.P4U1.3)

4. Analyze data β†’ Improve solutions

5. Use math β†’ Predict motion

6. Explain energy transfer (4.P4U1.3)

7. Argue from evidence (SEP 7)

8. Communicate findings (SEP 8)

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πŸ”— Cross-Curricular Standards for Roller Coaster Project

  1. 4.RL.1/4.RL.3:
    • Apply: Analyze engineer interviews or coaster safety texts for evidence.
  2. 4.W.7:
    • Apply: Research real coaster designs (height/speed stats).
  3. 4.SL.1:
    • Apply: Group design critiques with sentence frames ("I agree because...").

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Objectives:

Today the students will:

1. 🎒 Design & Test

  • Build roller coasters to show how forces change motion (Standard: 4.P4U1.3)

2. πŸ“Š Analyze Data

  • Measure how gravity (height) and friction (track material) affect speed *(SEP 3/4)*

3. ⚑ Describe Energy

  • Explain potential β†’ kinetic energy with models (CCC: Energy & Matter)

4. πŸ‘₯ Collaborate

  • Improve designs in teams, like engineers (ELA 4.SL.1)

5. 🎀 Present & Explain

  • Share how physics makes coasters work (SEP 8)

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Agenda

Roller Coaster STEM Challenge Agenda

  1. πŸŽ₯ Video + Discussion
    • Watch simulation β†’ "Would you ride it? How would you feel?"
  2. πŸ“– Read Aloud (Roller Coaster by Marla Frazee)
    • Think: "What are riders feeling? What do you wonder?"
  3. 🎒 Design & Test
    • Build foam track β†’ Time trials
    • Discuss: "Why does speed change? Can hills be taller?"
  4. πŸ’‘ Explain & Evaluate
    • Present designs β†’ Quiz: "Forces & Energy"

Video https://youtu.be/oAJLKDMihnU?si=YHcoaFav5VxpFVm6

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🎒 Roller Coaster Simulation Video

οΏ½Building Prior Knowledge Through Experience

πŸ’­ Discussion Questions:

  1. Have you ever ridden a roller coaster?
  2. If not, what do you imagine it would be like?
  3. How would you feel riding this coaster?
  4. Show us your "roller coaster face"!
  5. Video https://youtu.be/oAJLKDMihnU?si=YHcoaFav5VxpFVm6

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ENGAGE

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πŸ“– Reading: Roller Coaster by Marla FrazeeοΏ½ Analyzing Rider Perspectives

While Reading:

1. Imagine the riders' thoughts while waiting in line

2. Observe the roller coaster:

o πŸ‘€ What do you see?

o πŸ’­ What do you think?

o ❓ What do you wonder?

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🎒 Roller Coaster Challenge (EXPLORE)

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Can you complete these physics missions?

Design Tasks:

  1. Land the ball in the cup 🎯
  2. Adjust speed: Fast ⚑ vs. Slow 🐒
  3. Engineer hills (1 β†’ 2) ⛰️→⛰️⛰️
  4. Conquer the loop! πŸ”„

Science Skills:

  • Force & Motion
  • Energy Transfer
  • Problem-Solving

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Click here for the Google Doc

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ASSESSMENT

🎒 Roller Coaster Test Questions (EXPLAIN)

  1. What makes the ball go fastest at the start?
  2. Can the second curve be higher than the first?
  3. What happens if we add more curves to our roller coaster?

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Student Work Gallery: Roller Coaster Designs

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Student Work Gallery: Roller Coaster Designs

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Differentiation

Extension/Enrichment

  1. Remediation (Foundational Support)
  2. Modified Materials: Use pre-cut foam tracks with starter inclines.
  3. Guided Questions:οΏ½"What happens when we change just ONE thing?
  4. Visual Aids: Energy transfer diagram with labels (potential β†’ kinetic)

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2. On-Level Challenge (Core Task)

  • Design Goal: 1 hill + 1 curve meeting safety/speed criteria
  • Data Tool: Speed chart comparing 3 track designs

3. Extension (Advanced Enrichment)

  • Challenge: "Engineer a loop or banked curve.
  • Math Connection: Calculate speed (distance/time)
  • Real-World Link: Research famous coaster designs

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