The LOTAs in physics class are making roller coasters to learn more about potential and kinetic energy. Their hard work has led to all kinds of creative roller coasters being created using paper templates, cardboard, and tape, while they learn more about energy.
The classes started the semester by learning about different types of energy and using roller coasters as an example.
“Building it helps me understand potential energy and when it’s at its highest,” freshman Onamika Costa mentioned.
The projects also let students have creative liberty. The Tartans were able to name the roller coasters and add themes. They were able to be as creative as they wanted and add whatever loops and turns they designed.
“The roller coaster allows you to develop a physical and visual representation of what you’re learning,” explains physics teacher Ashley Gardner.
The creative freedom also makes the project more enjoyable because they can make it unique. Costa believes that the project being a group project helps her since she works better with others.
“It helps me understand because I’m a visual learner, not a listener,” Costa stated
There were about 14 roller coasters made with a variety of designs made using Gardner’s three-step process of planning, constructing, and applying physics knowledge. Their roller coasters had to safely support a marble through a two story frame made of paper. The bases were cardboard squares and students had to build the roller coasters inside the frames.
The roller coaster itself was also made of paper, and the students were provided with templates for turns, loops, and tracks. Not only did students have to put them together but they also had to design them.
“The project wasn’t difficult because we had cut outs to build the roller coaster part,” freshman Erin Daniel reflected. “She gave us videos and tutorials on how to make the parts, all we had to do was put it together.”
Making the roller coasters was an easy, yet immersive experience to learn about kinetic and potential energy. Potential energy is energy that’s stored by an object and kinetic energy is the energy of motion.
“We think our idea is amazing because my group and I decided to make a roller coaster inspired by Hei Hei from Moana,” Costa related.
The LOTAs had some creative ideas and that can make the project more enjoyable because they can make it unique.
“It allows for there to be individualized freedom so that they can make it their own pizzaz-y way that they please,” Gardner said.
The students were graded on the safety of the roller coaster, if they followed the build constraints, and if their roller coaster would be fun to go on. The entire project took a realistic approach since the roller coaster is supposed to be for the public.
”I think we’re getting a good grade on the roller coaster part since it works perfectly,” Daniel stated.
The roller coaster project is not only enjoyable for students, but also the teacher. She believes it is fulfilling to see the students displaying their creativity and knowledge in a different way.
“It’s just nice to see the kids working together in a lab but it’s also nice to give the kids an opportunity to show their learning outside of a traditional test,” Gardner shared.
