NGSS MS-PS2-2

Age / Subject

Middle School / Phs. Science

Description

Plan an investigation to provide evidence that the change in an object’s motion depends on the sum of the forces on the object and the mass of the object.

K-2-ETS1-3

Age / Subject

K-2 Env. Science

Description

Analyze data from tests of two objects designed to solve the same problem to compare the strengths and weaknesses of how each performs.

NGSS 4-ESS3-2

Age / Subject

4th Grade, Environmental Science

Description

Generate and compare multiple solutions to reduce the impacts of natural Earth processes on humans

NGSS MS-ETS1-1

Age / Subject

Middle School / Engineering Design

Description

Define the criteria and constraints of a design problem with sufficient precision to ensure a successful solution, taking into account relevant scientific principles and potential impacts on people and the natural environment that may limit possible solutions.

TEKS 2.6-8-C

Age / Subject

MS / Scientific & Engineering Practices

Description

Use mathematical calculations to assess quantitative relationships in data

TEKS 1.6-8-C

Age / Subject

MS / Scientific & Engineering Practices

Description

Use appropriate safety equipment and practices during laboratory, classroom, and field investigations as outlined in the Texas Education Agency approved safety standards

NGSS MS-PS3-5

Age / Subject

Middle School / Phs. Science

Description

Construct, use, and present arguments to support the claim that when the kinetic energy of an object changes, energy is transferred to or from the object.

NGSS MS-PS3-2

Age / Subject

Middle School / Phs. Science

Description

Develop a model to describe that when the arrangement of objects interacting at a distance changes, different amounts of potential energy are stored in the system.

NGSS MS-PS2-1

Age / Subject

Middle School / Phs. Science

Description

Apply Newton’s Third Law to design a solution to a problem involving the motion of two colliding objects.*

NGSS 4-PS3-4

Age / Subject

4th Grade, Physical Science

Description

Apply scientific ideas to design, test, and refine a device that converts energy from one form to another.

NGSS 4-PS3-3

Age / Subject

4th Grade, Physical Science

Description

Ask questions and predict outcomes about the changes in energy that occur when objects collide

NGSS 4-PS3-2

Age / Subject

4th Grade, Physical Science

Description

Make observations to provide evidence that energy can be transferred from place to place by sound, light, heat, and electric currents

NGSS 4-PS3-1

Age / Subject

4th Grade, Physical Science

Description

Use evidence to construct an explanation relating the speed of an object to the energy of that object

NGSS 3-5-ETS1

Age / Subject

3rd-5th / Engineering Design

Description

Define a simple design problem reflecting a need or a want that includes specified criteria for success and constraints on materials, time, or cost.

Roller Coaster Project

Explore Concepts & Careers around ROLLER COASTERS before building / testing one of your own!
Category 
Engineering, Energy Transfer, Acceleration
Videos
5 Instructional Videos
Estimated Length
3-4 Hours of Programming

Objective: 
Students will apply principles of physics, motion, and energy transformation to design, construct, and test a functioning roller coaster using straws and a foam board base. Set in the imaginative city of STIIX-Ville, students are hired to create a thrilling new ride for a theme park currently under development.🏗️

Through this challenge, students will explore the conversion of potential to kinetic energy, momentum, and track design while documenting their engineering process and analyzing the performance of their coaster.😁🎢

Although this specific project is not on there, check out our optional Augmented Reality app, STIIXVille. In it, students can bring concepts & careers to life for 6 other of our other STIIX projects.🤳

View Lesson Plan
Get Quote
Recommended Grades

Intro Video

The intro video explains some background of the bridge project and how it relates to the real world.

2 min

Academic Video

We use fun demonstrations to teach about different topics at play in boats such as density, buoyancy, & more!

3 min

"How To" Video

Tune into the how to video to find tips, examples, and even obstacles to avoid when designing and building your project.

3 min

Testing & Evaluating

In this video, we walk you through just how to test your project once you are all done designing & building!

3 min

Bonus Video

Hear the stories of professionals in the field and how they use what we learned this month in their jobs everyday!

2 min

Watch and Learn!

5/1 - Intro Video

The intro video explains some background of the bridge project and how it relates to the real world.

2 min

5/2 - Academic Video

We use fun demonstrations to teach about different topics at play in bridges such as Force, Stress, & more!

2 min

5/3 - "How To" Video

Tune into the how to video to find tips, examples, and even obstacles to avoid when designing and building your bridge.

3 min

5/4 - Testing & Evaluating

In this video, we walk you through just how to go about testing your bridge when you are all finished building!

2 min

5. Bonus Video

Tyler Bell from CVL Engineering shares his story about why he wanted to become a civil engineer and what he does now!

1 min

Intro Video

Tune in to hear some background of the roller coaster project, and hear some more about how it relates to the real world.

3 min

Academic Video

Tune in to learn some more about the science & engineering behind the coaster activity!

3 min

"How To" Video

Tune in to see some tips and examples for how to go about building a successful project of your own!

5 min

Testing & Evaluation

Tune in to see just how we put our coaster to the test after finishing our build!

1 min

Bonus Video

Tune in to meet Marquise, our friend who has real life experience with rollercoasters!

1 min

Check out these resources

Lesson Plan

Details process for how to lead activity with class.

How-To Sheet

Step-by-step sheets for students to reference.

Activity Guide

Supplemental worksheet to complement project.

Quiz

Ensure students comprehend the at-hand topics!

Answer Key(s)

Answers to the Activity Guide & Quiz documents.

Example(s)

Some of our favorite designs to model after.

Before class...tune in here!

Project Tips

Before leading a project, please check out this quick video which goes over some helpful tips and things to keep in mind while working on the activity with your classroom.

3 min

NGSS

3-5-ETS1
4-PS3-2
4-PS3-3
4-ESS3-2
MS-PS2-2
MS-PS3-2
MS-PS3-5

TEKS

1.6-8-C
2.6-8-C

K-2

ETS1-3