![]() Robert says he has used larger, non-paper roller coasters in the past, but paper roller coasters are more scalable for use with multiple classes and easier to take apart, which became an important part of his energy unit. ![]() Paper roller coasters can be used across grade levels to explore potential and kinetic energy, the physics that come into play when incorporating loops, and how the variable of height relates to the design of a roller coaster. Note: Both an NGSS-aligned lesson plan and an informal, family-friendly STEM activity are available to make and experiment with paper roller coasters. "I have a tendency to reinvent the wheel when I use someone else's materials," he admits. In preparing for the unit, Robert used the printable paper roller coaster template that is part of the Paper Roller Coasters: Kinetic and Potential Energy Science Buddies Lesson Plan and then extended the hands-on exploration to include both a modular construction and clear identification and observation of points of energy transformation. Hands-on with Mechanical Energy in High SchoolĪs part of a 2-week unit on mechanical energy, Robert and co-teacher Chris Johnson built and explored paper roller coasters with students in junior physics classes. Robert used paper roller coasters to explore energy transformation and engineering design with high school juniors.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |