Paper Roller Coasters
by Allison Fournier
What goes up, must come down in this thrill-seeking lesson plan! How much energy does a roller coaster car need to make it through a loop? In this lesson your students will learn about kinetic and potential energy as they build their own roller coasters from simple classroom materials.
paper roller coaster template
cardstock
piece of corrugated cardboard
scissors
clear tape
marble
Discuss different types of roller coasters.
Build the initial hill together.
Make a drawing of their design.
Build the roller coaster.
Testing the track.
Discussion and modifications
Reflection