Introduction
Here we go! In order to be successful at this Webquest, you will have to read everything! And read all of the directions carefully on your worksheet. What is the best part of an amusement park? Although I might answer with something like the snacks or the merry-go-round, most people are too excited for the roller coasters! Why roller coasters?! Because they're awesome thrill-seeking, scream-provoking, vomit-inducing machines. Even though these rides feel dangerous, they're actually very safe inventions designed to feel as if you're breaking all rules of science. Are they? Of course not, physics plays a huge role in the design, motion, & fun of roller coasters.
Through this Webquest, you will learn some of the basics of the physics behind roller coasters, but more importantly, you will be learning tips and tricks for designing your very own roller coaster!
Task
Part 1: Click on this link and watch the video! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=obLmQauRdRA
After watching the video, in the space provided on your worksheet, please draw your Dream Roller Coaster!
Part 2: Learning the lingo! Although you will not be fully focusing only on the physics behind building a roller coaster, we need to understand what engineers and architects are thinking about when they design!
Acceleration - increasing the rate of speed of something; a vehicle's capacity to gain speed in a short amount of time
Momentum - refers to the quantity of motion that an object has
Kinetic energy - energy that is created by something being in motion
Potential energy - energy that is stored in an object due to its position
Click the link to see an example of potential & kinetic energies- https://mrsgillumscience.com/12Reg_Sci/13RollerCoaster/rc_art/dpe.gif
Part 3: Let's answer the big question of the day!
How does a roller coaster continue to move through the twists & turns of its track if it only uses the engine in the beginning?
Watch the video and answer the question in your own words!
Part 4: Let's look at some rides!
Follow the link to Six Flag's website and answer the questions on your worksheet!
https://www.sixflags.com/america/attractions/thrill-rides
Part 5: Roller coaster elements!
Choose 3 elements to describe :) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roller_coaster_elements
Part 6: Complete the design questions!
You will need to complete research on your own to find the answers.
When finished, watch this final video all about a roller coaster designer!
https://pbskids.org/designsquad/video/roller-coasters/