1. Roller Coaster History
Name ___________________________________ Date __________________
Roller coaster research project
Roller coasters are all about physics! Speed, acceleration, force, etc! Answer the questions pertaining to roller coasters. MAKE SURE EVERYTHING IS IN FULL SENTENCES OR YOU WILL NOT RECEIVE CREDIT!!
Go to to answer the following questions.
There are many pages in this article about roller coasters. Keep reading on to find all the information
Roller Coaster History
When was the first roller coaster invented?
Where was the first roller coaster invented?
What was the first American roller coaster?

2. Roller Coaster Components
If a roller coaster has no engine, how does it move?
How does the chain lift work?
What does a catapult launch do?
How does linear induction motor work?
What kind of break system is included?

3. Roller Coasters and Your Body
Roller Coaster Forces
What are 2 forces working on you in a roller coaster? 1. 2.
What force makes you feel pressed against the seat in the car?
What does Newton’s first law say?
Roller Coasters and Your Body
What is a G-Force?
What happens when you plummet down a hill?

4. That Sinking Feeling Loop-the-Loops
Why does air time seem to have a strange effect on your body?
Why does your stomach get that “tickley feeling”?
Loop-the-Loops
Why do you feel very heavy at the bottom of a loop?
What would happen if you went through a loop without a safety harness?
What 2 things determine the intensity of the acceleration force? 1. 2.

5. Now find some information on roller coasters
Now find some information on roller coasters. Do your own research and fill in the chart. Be sure to include units where appropriate. DO NOT CHOOSE ANY DARIEN LAKE COASTERS!!
Coaster Name
Top Speed
Lift Height of the tallest hill
Track Length
One interesting fact about the coaster