"I don't think so!"
You’re zooming down the track at 60+ miles per hour, holding on for dear
life, feet pressing the floor of the car. Your heart is in your throat and
your stomach is—well, somewhere. You consider it death-defying, yet worth
these fascinating sensations of fright. You also consider it worth another
long wait in an endless line!
Roller coasters, like other amusement park rides, are designed
using physics laws to simulate danger. The rides are typically
very safe.
How do physics laws affect roller coaster designs? How does the
history of roller coaster design affect the technology of their
design today?
Consider roller coaster safety, science, history,
and rider desire for thrills and chills. If you were part of a collaborative
team of creative and critical thinkers, what would be your design
for the ultimate “scream machine”?
Would it meet the criteria for safety, science, thrills
and chills, and possibly hold a place in roller coaster history?
Rashida Betts, Reading Specialist
Stephen Decatur Middle School
8200 Pinewood Drive
Clinton, Maryland 20735
To contact me:
rashida.betts@pgcps.org
