Designing Roller Coasters Using Online Simulations
Three Web sites offer online opportunities to choose a set of design elements
and test the coaster for feasibility, safety, and fun.

Theresa started this activity in the computer lab projecting each Web site for whole class viewing. The students contributed design suggestions, student volunteers entered the parameters, and Theresa prompted discussion about design results. Students then worked in pairs at the computers with the following instructions:

Now build your own roller coaster! Visit each Web site and follow the instructions for selecting and adjusting design features. Finish with an entry your composition book about your different designs and results!

Amusement Park Physics: http://www.learner.org/exhibits/parkphysics/coaster/

This simulation has students select from choices for different elements: height hills, shape of hills, loop shape, and exit path. Students get feedback about safety and fun level of the coaster. (Note: "Amusement Park Physics" complements programs from The Mechanical Universe...and Beyond, a video series in the Annenberg/CPB Multimedia Collection.)

Funderstanding Site: http://www.funderstanding.com/k12/coaster/

Students adjust settings using slider controls for the height of hill #1, hill #2, the size of a loop, the initial speed of the coaster, its mass, the gravity at work and the amount of friction on the track. (Note: The site requires a Java-enabled browser and takes time to load.)

Discovery Site: http://www.discovery.com/exp/rollercoasters/build.html

Students select from design elements and sequence them into a ride before submitting it to Vince who will critique the ride for level of fun.