Each table group was given the same materials and the same task:
Build a roller coaster with two hills and one loop!
The entire roller coaster had to be free-standing except they could hold one portion of it. The marble also had to stay on the track. We didn’t want any marble roller coaster riders to land on their heads!
Rule #1 of Roller coaster building:
The 1st hill has to be the tallest (and the scariest!)
Here’s a little taste of what they made in class. Just click on these pictures for a larger view. I will print out pictures for class display. It was an awesome project!
If you’d like to build one at home, here are some simple materials:
- Pipe insulation (just cut it in half and it makes a perfect curve)
- A handful of marbles (we lost a few in class)
- Lots of blue painter’s tape
**Annakai told me that she built one in her house with two loops! Anybody want to try for three loops?! Have fun!
Hey!! well i have to build a roller coaster for science class how should i do it?
Comment by Lauren — March 15, 2007 @ 2:47 pm
You can use the materials above or…
*vinyl tubing and small marbles- make sure that the marble fits in the tubing and be aware that when the tubing is bent, it makes the diameter smaller and the marble can get stuff
*check out paper rollers (there is a website: http://www.paperrollercoasters.com). you can see the site for ideas. i have made my own after looking at the pics because the paper can crease when you try to make hills. they also sell kits.
good luck!
Comment by tifftai — March 16, 2007 @ 5:13 am