Roller Coaster Crazy

We learned about roller coasters yesterday. Now try out these roller coaster makers.

http://www.sci-quest.org/home/just_for_kids/coaster.phtml

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

http://kids.discovery.com/games/rollercoasters/buildacoaster.html

Force and Friction

Wow! What a ride so far. We've learned about water slides and roller coasters. Now let's take a look at race cars.

We need to understand force and friction first. Read textbook page 442 & 445 to find out what these terms mean.

Speed/Velocity

Find out the definitions for speed and velocity. Use textbook pages 440-441.

Why are these terms imporant for roller coasters?

1) Find out about roller coasters.

History: http://science.howstuffworks.com/roller-coaster1.htm

How they work: http://science.howstuffworks.com/roller-coaster3.htm

Forces at Work: http://science.howstuffworks.com/roller-coaster4.htm

2) Complete the roller coaster data chart.

You will use this site to help you find the answers: http://www.rcdb.com/

3) Design your own roller coaster. You want to receive a high safety rating and a high fun rating. Use this virtual site to help you- http://www.learner.org/interactives/parkphysics/coaster/

After you make your roller coaster, name it and blog about your results.

How You Know You are Moving: Water Slides

How does a Water Slide work?

Use this site to help you understand how a water slide works: http://entertainment.howstuffworks.com/water-slide.htm

1) Write a blog to explain in your own words how one works.

2) Design your own water slide by making a diagram. Include the following things:

• Name of your water slide.



• Arrows and labels for how your water slide works scientifically.

3) So, how do you know if a person ona water slide moves? How do you know if the water moves? Read page 440 in the text to find out.

What is Motion?

1. Check out this race track. What events will a race car experience as it travels around this track?

2. What are 3 different types of motion? Read page 439 in your textbook to find out.

3. Try out your own race track simulation: http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/ks2bitesize/science/activities/forces_action.shtml

4. Now try out this Lunch Projector Experiment: http://www.iknowthat.com/com/L3?Area=Projectile

5. Checkpoint: What is motion? What are the 3 types of motion?

Need for Speed: Roller Coasters and Racecars

Do you have the need for speed? What is speed anyway? What makes cool things like roller coasters, water slides, and race cars work? Get ready to get moving. During this unit we will learn about speed, motion, force, and types of energy. Are you ready to design a roller coaster or make your own race car? Buckle in for a fast ride!