Small Groups
Student will design and build a roller coaster to help them understand gravity.
Additional Resources
Books:
Videos:
Laser Discs:
Gravity is the force that pulls objects towards the Earth. Gravity pulls you down when you jump off the chair, but you're fighting gravity when you jump back up. Gravity is pulling the ball/marble down the track, but the ball/marble is fighting gravity when it goes uphill. The speed of the ball has to be great enough to get the ball down a hill and back up to the top of the next hill.
1. Use a Science Process and Thinking Skills
2. Manifest Science Interests and Attitudes
3. Understand Science Concepts and Principles
4. Communicate Effectively Using Science Language and Reasoning
Invitation to Learn
Chair Jumping
1. Stand on the seat of the chair.
2. Jump off the chair.
3. Jump back up onto the seat of the chair.
4. Discuss which was easier: jumping off or jumping back up onto the seat of the chair.
Instructional Procedures
Preparation:
Tape the two halves of the pipe insulator together.
Activity:
Math-
Science-
Art-
Homework & Family Connections
Have the students design and build OR make an illustration of a roller coaster, ramp, or maze at home. Have the students bring the roller coasters, ramps, and mazes to school and set up an amusement park.
In their journals, have the students draw a picture of the roller coaster built by their group. Have the students write about their design and why it works relating to the force of gravity.
Did the student(s) work cooperatively in their group(s)?
Were the students able to analyze any defect(s) in their design and come up with a proper solution(s)?
Were the students able to construct a successful roller coaster?