Lesson Title:   How Does a Roller Coaster Work?                 

     STAGE OF LEARNING CYCLE: Integrating

LESSON OVERVIEW

Students will visit the websites and explore the concepts of motion and energy that are involved in roller coaster design.

INSTRUCTIONAL GOALS

The student will be able to use the interactive website to determine the motion of a roller coaster and how potential and kinetic energy are used in the coaster design.

FORMATIVE ASSESSMENT

Student will complete a questionnaire concerning the content on the website.

LESSON ORGANIZATION

Opening the Lesson:
_2_ minutes

Distribute handout titled “How Does a Roller Coaster Work?” to be completed in class.

Developing the Lesson:
_43_ minutes

The student will go the website and explore the content and simulation.  www.funderstanding.com/k12/coaster/

Closing the Lesson:
_5_ minutes

Discuss findings.

TEACHING RESOURCES

You will need access to a computer lab in order to use the Internet and copies of the handout.

www.funderstanding.com/k12/coaster/

http://virtual.questacon.edu.au/rollercoaster/main.htm

LAB SAFETY

Internet permission forms should be on file for each student.

ACCOMMODATIONS FOR SPECIAL LEARNERS

Extended time for reading impaired students.

ENRICHMENT ACTIVITIES

Students can manipulate the roller coaster simulation and discover elements that change the motion of the coaster. http://virtual.questacon.edu.au/rollercoaster/main.htm