Designing a Roller Coaster Using the Law of Conservation of Energy (Potential/Kinetic Energy)

Area of Science:

Physics, Physical Science, Engineering , Math

Grade level:

7th-12th

Age of students:

13-18

Total time:

320 Minutes

Preparation time:

20 Minutes

Teaching time:

5 hours

Teahing methodology to be used:

-Project-Based Learning

This method encourages students to learn skills and apply their knowledge by taking part in a project. They work for an extended period to research and create a solution to a problem or query. Your role as a teacher is to be a facilitator and encourage students to take full control of their projects from start to finish.

– Using the Engineering Design Process (EDP)

This is a series of steps students can take to design solutions to problems as part of a project. This project-based learning strategy should encourage open-ended designs, creativity and practical solutions.The steps of EDP:

ASK:  Students identify the problem, requirements that must be met, and constraints that must be considered.

IMAGINE: Students brainstorm solutions and research ideas.  They also identify what others have done.

PLAN: Students choose two to three of the best ideas from their brainstormed list and sketch possible designs, ultimately choosing a single design to prototype.

CREATE: Students build a working model, or prototype, that aligns with design requirements and that is within design constraints.

TEST: Students evaluate the solution through testing; they collect and analyze data; they summarize strengths and weaknesses of their design that were revealed during testing.

IMPROVE: Based on the results of their tests, students make improvements on their design. They also identify changes they will make and justify their revisions.

Key concepts:

Potential &Kinetic Energy, Law of Conservation of Energy, Gravity