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ROLE DESCRIPTION -
The historian studies and analyzes the history, or chronological events, of
roller coasters. This also includes historical facts, data, and statistics.
Your task -
Visit the links below. Record your responses to each task. Read to find
details to complete the following:
 1. The Gravity Pleasure Switchback Railway was the first
roller coaster built in America at Coney Island, New York, in 1884. What
was it made of and what was its top speed? Using specific details like
names, dates, and design, explain how coasters evolved from the Gravity
Pleasure Switchback Railway to those of today. What has been the biggest
reason for this evolution? You may want to draw or use Microsoft Word to
create a detailed timeline or chart displaying this information. Click here for details
on coaster evolution. From the Switchback Railway to "hypercoasters"!
What's a "hypercoaster"? Click here and here
for "hypercoaster" information.
2. Recent lawsuits have been brought by roller coaster riders
who claim injuries such as brain damage. If the size and speed of a coaster
doesn’t necessarily make it more dangerous, what does? What facts, data,
and/or statistics could you present to defend the building of your ultimate
scream machine?
Click
The New Roller Coasters: Thrills, Chills and Few Spills, a
"Via Magazine" article,
"Roller Coaster Safety" article,
and a
"Theme Parks" article for information.
View a Quick Time video clip on coaster safety by clicking here.
Read the article,
"How Safe are Roller Coasters" and view a Real
Player clip from CBS News by clicking the video link on the page here.
3. Visit this “Ultimate...”
link to answer the following:
A. What is the tallest and fastest roller coaster in the world?
B. How fast does it go?
C. Where is the Supreme Scream located? (Click
the "thrill rides" tab on the website for this.) How about The
Freefall?
D. What roller coaster has the longest drop?
E. What roller coaster is the longest in the world?
4. Click the link here to
find out the latest news on coasters. Identify the name, location,
dimensions, and speed of a new coaster expected to open this year? What
conclusion(s) can you make about this new coaster and the direction that the
roller coaster industry is going? How does this help with ideas for your
coaster?
5. Compare the names given to roller coasters in history. Do
these names reflect the coasters’ characteristics? Give examples. What
changes do you find in the kinds of names given to coasters from the early
days to recent times? Why the changes? What unique name would you consider
for your ultimate scream machine? Why?
6. Be ready to present and explain your findings to your
team. You and your team will use this information for the design of your
ultimate scream machine.
LINKS
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 | |
