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What A Wild Ride!
May The "G" Force Be With You!
Roller Coasters are an important part of history in our country. Since
Russian ice slides in the 16th century, riders seek the faster, the taller,
and more twisted rides for a greater thrill.
Understanding the fundamental principles of roller coaster operation helps
us answer some of the questions that intrigue us - questions like, “Why
don’t the cars fly off the track?”, “Why do I want to ‘throw up’ after a
roller coaster ride?”, “Is it possible to fall from a car while upside down
in a loop?”, “Why do we stand in endless lines to ride these things?”, and
“What is the future for roller coasters?”
Hopefully, this WebQuest has helped you answer these questions, and has
given you the opportunity to experience the thrill of using principles
learned to design your own coaster.
Share what you have learned in your other classes. Your teachers will
surely think you perceptive. When you visit an amusement park you can now
explain the science of the ride. Your friends will undoubtedly be impressed.
Have a wild ride, and may the “g” force be with you!
Visit these links to get ideas to build a real physical model using foam
tubes and other materials:
“Design and Test Your Own Roller Coaster”
“It’s A Wild Ride!” for student home roller coaster models
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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