Thrill Ride
Source Institutions
-
WGBH
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In this activity, learners will build a roller coaster for a marble to run on using everyday household materials such as paper towel or toilet paper rolls, cups, boxes, books, buckets, chairs, etc. Participants will use the materials to design their own courses and will use the steps of the design process to make changes to their structures. Particpants can make loop-de-loops, hills, twists and turns for their roller coaster track.
- 5 to 10 minutes
- 30 to 45 minutes
- $1 - $5 per group of students
- Ages 6 - 11
- Activity, Game, Model
- English, Spanish
Quick Guide
Materials List (per group of students)
- marbles
- 6' foam pipe insulation tubing, 3/4" or 1" in diameter (2 halves per kid)
- masking tape
- scissors
- various props: boxes, books, chairs, buckets, cups
- toilet paper tubes (optional)
Subjects
- Engineering and Technology
- Engineering
- Architectural Engineering
- Transportation Engineering
- Engineering
- Physical Sciences
- Energy
- Potential and Kinetic Energy
- Motion and Forces
- Machines
- Gravity
- Projectile Motion
- Energy
- The Nature of Technology
- Technology and Society
- The Design Process
- Invention and Innovation
- Troubleshooting and Maintenance
Informal Categories
- Arts and Crafts
- Model Building
- Toys
Audience
To use this activity, learners need to:
- see
- touch
Learning styles supported:
- Involves teamwork and communication skills
- Links STEM to other topics of interest such as arts and humanities
- Uses STEM to solve real-world problems
- Involves hands-on or lab activities
Other
Components that are part of this resource:
Includes alignment to state and/or national standards
This resource is part of:
Access Rights:
- Free access
By:
- WGBH
Source Collection:
- FETCH! With Ruff Ruffman
Rights:
- All Rights Reserved, WGBH Educational Foundation, ©2009
Funding Sources:
- National Science Foundation, 0813513
- Public television viewers
