1. The Thrills and Chills of Roller Coaster Rides
Grace Howley
Project 16:Roller Coaster Thrills
January 12, 2012

3. The History of the Roller Coaster
The first roller coaster ever built was made in 1872 by John G. Taylor in West Haven
It was a popular ride with over 250,000 people enjoying the ride that year
1920 set the stage for the Golden Age of roller coasters

4. Did you Know…? Below are ten fun facts about roller coasters:
The roller coaster traces its origins to Russia
The first successful commercial roller coaster made its debut in 1884 at Coney Island
The best known historical roller coaster, The Cyclone, was opened at Coney Island in 1927.
Many advanced safety systems are implemented in roller coasters to ensure passengers are safe
Despite safety measures, accidents can and do occur
Kingda Ka takes the top spot for the largest drop of any roller coaster, 418 feet from the top
The longest wooden coaster is Beast at Kings Island.

5. Fastest Roller Coasters in the World
Rank
Speed
Name
Amusement park
Location
Year opened 1
74.6 mph
Colossus
Hide Park
Soltau, Germany
2009 2
70 mph
El Toro
Six Flags
New Jersey, USA
2001 3
67.4 mph
The Voyage
Holiday World
Santa Claus, Indiana
2006 4
66.3 mph
The Boss
Eurika, Misourri
2008 5
66 mph
American Eagle
Gurnee, Illinois
1981 6
65 mph
Rattler
San Antonio Texas
1999 7
64.8 mph
The Beast
Kings Island
Mason, Ohio
1979 8
64.6 mph
T Express
Everland
Yongin, South Korea
1995 9
64 mph
Montezum
Hopi Hari
Vinhedo, Brazil 10
63 mph
White Cyclone
Nagashima Spa Land
Nagashima, Kuwana, Japan
1998

6. Fastest Roller Coasters in the USA
Rank
Speed
Name
Amusement Park
Location
Year opened 1
67.4 mph
The Voyage
Holiday World
Santa Claus, Indiana
2006 2
70 mph
Phoenix
Knoebel’s Resort
Elysburg, PA
1985 3
EL Toro
Six Flags
Jackson, NJ 4
67.3 mph
Boulder Dash
Lake Compounce
Bristol, CT
2000 5
68 mph
Thunderhead
Dollywood
Pigeon Forge
2004 6
69.9 mph
Ravine Flyer II
Waldameer
Erie, PA
2008 7
64.8 mph
The Beast
Kings Island
Mason, Ohio
1979 8
71.1 mph
Hades
Mt. Olympus
Wisconsin Dells
2005 9
65.8 mph
Shivering Timbers
Michigan’s Adventure
Muskegon, Michigan
1998 10
66.5 mph
Prowler
World of Fun
Kansas City
2009

7. Roller Coasters in Action

8. I’ve been on a total of 16 roller coasters
The Mind Eraser, Boulder Dash, Zoomerang, Wild Cat, Down time
My first Roller Coaster was Wild Cat at Lake Compounce
Thrilling, fast, exciting