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Domestic Roller Coaster

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Abstract

In this challenge, students will construct a roller coaster made of cardboard and other elements where they use gravity to propel their “vehicles” (marbles). Students will follow the engineering design process to design and build the path and will figure out how to improve their design based on testing results and the related theoretical concepts.

This activity should be developed in groups of 3 learners. Teachers should help maintain the motivation of the learners particularly when they are struggling with their concept (the marble does not move or moves randomly).

Learning Outcomes

Skills and Competences

The learners can develop the following skills and competences:

  • Teamwork and collaboration
  • Leadership
  • Communication and presentation skills
  • Designing a solution to a complex problem by breaking it into small, manageable problems
  • Apply the engineering design process to solve problems
  • Management of time and resources

Knowledge

The following knowledge can be gathered by the learners:

  • Basic principles of energy (gravity)
  • Gravity
  • Creativity

Other Instructions

Collect the materials assigned to you.

  1. Cut the lid and front off the cardboard box, so you can reach inside.
  2. Use the cardboard and rolled up paper to make chutes, ramps and tunnels.
  3. Make holes in the tubes so the marble can fall from one into another.
  4. Position the chutes at an angle inside the box and fix into place with tape.
  5. Place chutes back and forth until you reach the bottom – how long does your marble run last?
  6. If you have time, decorate and add start and finish signs.

URL

RESOURCES

Author

Carlos Vaz de Carvalho
Carlos Vaz de Carvalho

Language

English

Main Topics

Engineering

Keywords

gravity physics