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How can we design a roller coaster or catapult that demonstrates the laws of motion and energy conservation?

Design a roller coaster or catapult

Duration

3 - 6 weeks

Group Size

5 - 6 students

Grade Level

High School, 9th, 10th, 11th, 12th

Subjects

Engineering, Math, Physics, Science, Technology
$8.00

Project Description

This project engages students in hands-on STEM learning by challenging them to design and build a roller coaster or catapult that demonstrates key physics principles such as Newton’s Laws of Motion and energy conservation. Through a structured approach that includes research, design, experimentation, and presentation, students will develop a deeper understanding of physics while enhancing their problem-solving, teamwork, and communication skills.

Why Use this Project?

This project engages students with hands-on learning, applying physics principles in real-world scenarios. It builds essential skills like critical thinking, collaboration, and communication. Aligned with Common Core and NGSS standards, the project offers flexible presentation options to cater to diverse learning styles, making it an ideal choice for STEM classrooms.

What's Included

  • General Guidelines: Provides a step-by-step project strategy, team role assignments, and suggestions for managing the workload effectively in a collaborative setting.
  • Brainstorming: Guides students through creative techniques to generate innovative design ideas in an open and supportive environment.
  • Project Planning and Designing: Instructs students on setting goals, creating detailed task lists, developing timelines, and designing their roller coaster or catapult models with critique and feedback loops.
  • Project Execution: Outlines how students can execute their plans, including task distribution, weekly meetings, feedback incorporation, and iterative design improvements.
  • Experimenting: Offers a detailed, step-by-step guide to conducting experiments that test their designs, including measuring energy transformations, forces, and analyzing data for refining their models.
  • Presentation: Provides instructions for presenting the project using different formats like slide decks, posters, and videos, helping students effectively communicate their findings and design process.
$8.00

One-time purchase, lifetime access