Computer Physics/Roller Coasters

(Download the MS Word version of this document.)

Procedure

1. Log on to your computer. Open Netscape navigator.
2. Open http://www.learner.org/exhibits/parkphysics/
3. Read the overview page and answer the following questions:
   • You are in greater danger of injury when riding a ____________ than on a park ride.
   • Amusement parks use physics to ________________ danger.
4. Click on roller coaster, then click on physics glossary to match the following:
    
   

   Acceleration	a. Law of inertia
   Energy	b. Two types are kinetic and potential
   Force	c. Resists motion of object
   Friction	d. Amount of substance in an object
   Mass	e. Push or pull
   First Law of Motion	f. Law of acceleration
   Second Law of Motion	g. Law of action/reaction (interaction)
   Third Law of Motion	h. Changing speed and/or direction

   
   
5. Click BACK. What name is often given to a roller coaster?
6. Click on "Design your own."
7. Read and follow all the direction on the screen to complete this activity.
8. Record your evaluation. On the back of this sheet draw your design.
9. Go back to the Home Page, click on each of the following and write two complete sentences (on the back) describing each:
   • Carousel
   • Bumper Car
   • Free Fall
   • Pendulum
   • Ride Safety

Roller Coaster—Teacher

Students are to use a particular website to complete a worksheet.

It is best to grade the worksheet as you would any worksheet.

Some students may need some guidance so this is best as an activity after they have learned about Newton's Laws of Motion, gravity, and friction. Remind the students about these concepts before allowing them to begin this activity.