Marble Roller Coaster Physics Concepts

The purpose of the coaster s initial ascent is to build up a sort of reservoir of potential energy the concept of potential energy often referred to as energy of position is very simple.

Marble roller coaster physics concepts.

You ll build a roller coaster track for marbles using foam pipe insulation and masking tape and see how much of an initial drop is required to get the marble to loop the loop it s a great way to learn about how stored energy potential energy is converted into the energy of motion kinetic energy. Younger kids will need some help as there are many pieces in the. Identify the two parts. The lesson plan difficulty.

This science kit comes with a 32 page book and a cardboard roller coaster you can build. Putting together the roller coaster is a fun project for older kids. Abstract if you d like to investigate the physics of amusement park rides then this project is for you. Key concepts physics gravity potential energy kinetic energy friction conservation of energy.

As the coaster gets higher in the air gravity can pull it down a greater distance you experience this phenomenon all the time. The book explains various physics concepts such as gravity mass and weight. Build your own marble roller coaster in this project and find out. The foam tubing roller.

Arrange plenty of space in your room cleanup. Allow 2 minutes near end of class for students to try each others coasters.