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Scream Machine - A Roller Coaster WebQuest



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Introduction

INTRODUCTION


"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?
Tech Effect Rashida Betts Instructional Coordinator and Tech Effect Teacher Oxon Hill Middle School 9570 Fort Foote Rd. Fort Washington, MD 20744 To contact us: Phone: 301-749-4270 Fax: 301-749-4286 E-mail: rashida.betts@pgcps.org

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Last Modified: Tuesday May 27 2003
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