Introduction

1. Introduction Task Process Evaluation Conclusion Introduction –You are working as part of a team that will design a roller coaster for Real Fun Amusement Park (RFAP). Decide on a name for your new design team and begin your assignment.

2. Introduction Task Process Evaluation Conclusion Task – The specifications that RFAP has provided are that the ride must have a high “thrill factor” and cannot crash or stall. RFAP wants to be able to assure their board of directors that the ride is safe, so they want to see a summary of the Potential and Kinetic Energy calculations. They also want 10 “interesting or amusing” facts about roller coasters to share with riders as they are waiting in line. If you can accomplish this task in the time allotted, your team will be well compensated by RFAP.

3. Introduction Task Process Evaluation Conclusion The goal for your team is convince RFAP that your design is fun and safe. You can demonstrate your design on a roller coaster simulator and summarize the information that you come up with. The tasks should be divided up between each of the team members, but all need to participate with the final proposal. Each task for your design team along with additional information is listed on the buttons below. Click on each one for more info. Task 1 – History and Facts Task 2 – Understanding Potential and Kinetic Energy Task 3 – Roller Coaster Simulator Task 4 – Present your teams proposal. Questions?

4. Introduction Task Process Evaluation Conclusion

5. Introduction Task Process Evaluation Conclusion Each team has completed their research and design and presented their findings to the Real Fun Amusement park and to their colleagues. What other real life applications can you think of for math, physics and computer simulation? Are you interested in learning more about math and engineering careers? To further explore, please click on the images below. Engineering outreach programs Amusement park physics Math in daily life Teachers page – for connections to standards.

6. TASK 1 – ROLLER COASTER HISTORY AND FUN FACTS The first task for your team is to look up some background and history of the roller coaster so that RFAPs customers can be amused and entertained as they stand in line. Your team can present your findings in a poster, PowerPoint presentation, or other medium. Use more than one web source and LIST YOUR SOURCES. Google roller coaster history or roller coaster facts and get started! Go to Task 2 Return to task page

7. TASK 2 – KENETIC AND POTENTIAL ENERGY The cars on a typical roller coaster are pulled up a chain or cable along the lift hill to the first peak of the coaster track. The potential energy accumulated by the rise in height is transferred to kinetic energy as the cars race down the first downward slope. Kinetic energy is then converted back to potential energy as the train moves back up the next hill. Subsequent hills have to be lower as some energy is lost to friction. A properly designed coaster will have enough kinetic energy to complete the entire course without stalling and run out of kinetic energy at the end so that it does not crash. The next task is to look up the formulas for Potential and Kinetic energy. Some suggested links are listed below: Roller Coasters Virtual Lab – Potential Energy Go to Task 3 Return to task page Building a Super Coaster

8. TASK 3 – ROLLER COASTER SIMULATION To demonstrate your design, use the roller coaster simulator to show that your design will not stall or crash. In order to provide the appropriate “thrill factor”, each design should include at least one loop. At the end of the simulation, your team should have a sketch of the design, the thrill score and a print of the simulation results. Be prepared to show how you used the Potential and Kinetic Energy calculations! ROLLER COASTER SIMULATION Go to Task 4 Return to task page

9. TASK 4 – PRESENT YOUR FINDINGS AND DESIGN • Now is the time to convince the Real Fun Amusement Park that your design is safe and fun. As part of the presentation to RFAP, they will require the following from your team: • A sketch of your roller coaster design. • Calculate the Potential and Kinetic Energy at 4 points in your design. • List the “thrill factor” score from the simulation for your final design. • Prepare a 10 minute sales pitch to explain and sell your team’s design. Time is important to the RFAP executives so your presentation must be within 20% (+/- 2 minutes) of the time scheduled. Return to task page

10. TEACHERS PAGE This web quest addresses Kentucky Core Content for both Secondary Mathematics and Science. The connections for Mathematics are: Algebra 2 – Understand solving equations as a process of reasoning and explain the reasoning. The connections for Science are: Integrated Science – Explain real world application of energy using information and data; evaluation explanations of mechanical systems using current scientific knowledge about energy. This web quest also addresses Kentucky Teacher Standards 6.1 – uses available technology to design and plan instruction and 6.2 – uses available technology to implement instruction that facilitates student learning. The web quest is intended to be a collaborative project. Teachers should assist students that need modifications or accommodations into roles that meet their learning needs. Return to Conclusion