Advanced Physics of Roller Coasters Lab
Advanced Physics of Roller Coasters Lab
Calculate the thrills and excitement of a roller coaster prototype! Use data analysis skills to create a scale model of a roller coaster based on different physics data.
Lab Guide
Design a robust learning experience by selecting resources from this guide that fit the needs of your students. Reinforce learning before, after and even during your visit by diving deeper into some of the science and engineering concepts.
Lab-Related Activities
Lessons marked with an orange gear icon address engineering within the Next Generation Science Standards.
Circle of Pong
Grades 2-12
Lesson: 65 minutes
Exploring Chain Reactions
Grades 2-12
Explore stored energy, energy transfer, and simple machines while building a series of chain reactions.
Activity: 30 minutesLesson: Two 60-minute sessions
Vocabulary Choice Board
Grades K-12
Vocabulary activities to pair with one of our labs or other STEM activities.
Lesson: 20-30 min
Advanced Physics of Roller Coasters Lab
Exhibit Connections
Make connections between learning from the lab and the exhibits and programs found in The Tech Interactive’s galleries. For more exhibit connections, see the Lab Guide above.
- Science on a Roll: Ball Machine (outside of Park Ave. entrance) Witness an elaborate demonstration of the transfer of potential and kinetic energy.
- The Innovator Students design their own roller coasters at a designated design station. Once tested and successful, students take their designs to the roller coaster simulator where they’ll share the experience and thrills of their design first hand.
- Innovation in Bloom Launch balls into the air and watch them race through winding tubes, past blooming flowers and playful local animals. At the bottom, build your own ball tracks and team up with friends to trigger a giant brainstorm of balls cascading down in an epic finale.