PART ONE
Area Coasters Data Sheet
As a roller coaster designer, you must research different coasters in the area. We will focus on the following:
Six Flags Great Adventure's Kingda Ka, El Toro, & Bizarro.
Morey Pier's Sea Serpant.
Seaside Height's Star Jet.
Use the data sheet to keep track of your research. You must find type, height, speed, length, maximun drop & year built of each coaster.
Use the following Web Sites to help you:
PART TWO
The Physics Behind the Coasters Research
Roller Coasters rely on Physics to make their rides both exciting and safe.
Read a bit about the physics behind coasters by going to the following web sites. Fill out the list of terms to help you understand the physics of roller coasters.
Physics for Kids: Motion
Amusement Park Physics
How Roller Coasters Work
Netwon's Laws of Motion
Physics Terms & Definitions
PART THREE
Practice Design
Now that you have researched area roller coasters and know a bit about the physics behind roller coasters, it's time to start designing! Go to the web sites below IN ORDER as the tasks go from least to most diffiicult. Be sure to complete each task to specifications.
1. Design Basics
Work until your coaster is functional. This is an easier simulator. Use this site to get a feel for basic rc design. Try to make your coaster go at maximum speed, try all features: loops, hills, etc.
2. Design a roller coaster
Work until coaster is functional, safe and fun.
3. Design a roller coaster
Work until your coaster is functional, safe, and fun. This site has two criteria for rating: fun & safety. You must work on this site until you get a thumbs p for BOTH fun & safety. The site gives you hints to accomplish this. Read carefully.
4. Make adjustments to a coaster
Work until your coaster is functional, stays on track, and is fun. Your coaster must hit speeds of 75 miles per hour or higher during the ride. Your coaster must include one loop and one hill. Work with your partner to figure out how to make thi coaster fun, exciting, and safe.
PART FOUR
Final Project: Design Your Own Coaster
Your coaster will have to be functional & apply basic physics concepts. You will need to draw it out on paper, come up with a theme for the coaster suitable for an amusement park, and be creative. If selected, we will build your prototype. However, it must be functional, exciting, and safe.
Mrs. Gemellaro will interview you about the physics involved, so be prepared to answer questions!
Good Luck!!!
