CK-12 Foundation
Ck 12 Exploration Series: Simulations: Physics: Roller Coaster
[Free Registration/Login Required] Learn about the conservation of energy in the context of a roller coaster.
Annenberg Foundation
Annenberg Learner: Amusement Park Physics: Roller Coaster
Learn about Newton's Laws of Physics, g-force, the causes of motion sickness, and more by reading about different rides at an amusement park.
NC State University
The Engineering Place: Roller Coasters [Pdf]
A lesson where learners construct a roller coaster and test it under different conditions to learn about force and motion.
Physics Classroom
The Physics Classroom: Circular and Satellite Motion: Roller Coaster Model
An interactive playground for students to explore the physics of roller coasters. Learners investigate by changing the variables of force, velocity, friction, and vectors. Energy bar charts are displayed as the coaster car moves along...
CK-12 Foundation
Ck 12: Roller Coaster Energy
[Free Registration/Login may be required to access all resource tools.] Some prefer the front seat, some prefer the back seat and others prefer to not even board a roller coaster at the amusement park. What is the science that makes...
Annenberg Foundation
Annenberg Learner: Design a Roller Coaster
An interactive lesson where students design and build their own virtual roller coaster. Choose the height of the hills. the shape of the hills. and loop to find out if you successfully used physics concepts to pass the safety and fun...
Physics Classroom
The Physics Classroom: Circular, Satellite, Rotational: Roller Coaster G Forces
Roller coaster rides are notorious for creating accelerations and g-forces. The magnitude and direction of normal force and gravity during the motion through a coaster's loop are depicted this animation.
Physics Classroom
The Physics Classroom: Work and Energy: Energy Transformation on Roller Coasters
Using a roller coaster as an example, the transformation of mechanical energy from the form of potential to the form of kinetic and vice versa is explained and illustrated in the animation.
CK-12 Foundation
Ck 12 Exploration Series: Simulations: Physics: Loop the Loop
[Free Registration/Login Required] Learn about the centripetal motion in the context of a roller coaster going through a loop-the-loop and over a hill.
Other
Fear of Physics: Roller Coaster
Use animation and other interactive strategies to help understand physics principles. Change the track and height to see if your ball can make it to the end.
Other
My Physics Lab: Roller Coaster
Create a simplified roller coaster with this simulation by creating a track shape for a ball to travel on. Students can change gravity and damping. Site includes equations to help students understand what is happening in the simulation.
Physics Classroom
The Physics Classroom: Circular and Satellite Motion: Amusement Park Physics
In this interactive module, students explore the centripetal acceleration experienced by riders within the circular-shaped sections of a roller coaster track.
Physics Classroom
The Physics Classroom: Circular and Satellite Motion: Speed and Velocity
In this interactive module, describe and explain the motion of objects that either move in circles or can be approximated to be moving in circles. Kinematic concepts and motion principles will be applied to the motion of objects in...
Read Works
Read Works: Up to Speed
[Free Registration/Login Required] An informational text about the science behind roller coasters, including Kingda Ka, one of the tallest and fastest roller coasters in the world. A question sheet is available to help students build...
Physics Classroom
The Physics Classroom: Work, Energy, and Power: Mechanical Energy Is Conserved
In this interactive exercise, explore the quantitative relationship between work and mechanical energy in situations in which there are no external forces doing work.
Science Education Resource Center at Carleton College
Serc: Conservation of Energy of a Rollercoaster Using High Speed Video
Students use high speed video to determine whether a roller coaster is an example of a system in which mechanical energy is conserved. The activity is intended to give students experience extracting data from video clips, and using...
Curated OER
May the Force Be With You
Students explore the science behind thrill rides, including the physics of a roller coaster, human emotions, and physiological effects on the body. A related article is accessible through free registration.