D55 Roller Coaster Energy

D55 Coaster Background 1 Energy is transferred when it moves from one place to another like D54 Drive A Nail. Energy transforms when it changes from one type to another, like the Gravitational Potential Energy of the metal rod held high transforming into kinetic energy at the nail. Challenge Question: How is energy transformed on a roller coaster?

D55 Coaster Background 2 Yasmin and her uncle spent a day at the amusement park where her uncle worked. Yasmin loved the roller coasters the most. She said, “This roller coaster is kind of like a hammer and nail. At the top of the hill there is a lot of potential energy in the cars and the passengers.”

D55 Coaster Background 3 Her uncle agreed. “You’re right. And as we move fast down the hill, the gravitational potential energy is transformed into kinetic energy. We move the fastest at the bottom where there is the MOST kinetic energy. “There IS energy everywhere,” she said. Question: Where is the coaster’s highest point: near the beginning, middle or end?

D55 Roller Coaster Diagram (see highs, lows, start, and end)

D55 Coaster Draw Project With a partner draw a roller coaster start to end. Write your names on the poster. Name it, color, and describe the coaster in detail. Where is it located, how tall, how fast, how long (in feet & in minutes), safety, unique features, etc. Describe the amount (high/med/low) of potential and kinetic energy at each high point and low point of the track. Show me before turning it in. Graded on effort, quality and description accuracy.

D55 Coaster Analysis: Date____ Name_______________ Hour__ Copy and Explain in complete paragraphs. On a roller coaster, where is (be specific): The most potential energy? Explain. The most kinetic energy? Explain. Both potential & kinetic energy? Explain. Kinetic energy relates to speed. Is the coaster faster at a high or low point? Explain using kinetic energy terms.

D55 Coaster Analysis: Date____ Name_______________ Hour__ Copy and Explain in complete paragraphs. On a roller coaster, where is (be specific): The most potential energy? Explain. The most kinetic energy? Explain. Both potential & kinetic energy? Explain. Kinetic energy relates to speed. Is the coaster faster at a high or low point? Explain using kinetic energy terms.

D55 Coaster Build Project (not assigned) Pick a team 4 people or less to build a small coaster that will attach to a poster-sized board. Describe it and write your names on board. A hot-wheels car must move through start to finish It cannot be taller than 3 feet and must start & end on the board. Your team supplies the materials and car. You may need pipe insulation, wood, & tape. Graded on effort, quality & if car finishes the track