Students define potential and kinetic energy and explain the relationship of height to potential energy.  In this roller coaster lesson students construct a model of a roller coaster which will allow them to see the basic physical...

Students define kinetic energy and know the effects of weight and speed on momentum.  In this investigative lesson plan students get into groups and design a roller coaster. 

Eighth graders describe the energy transformations as cars travel over a roller coaster. They explain the principle of conservation of energy as it relates to a roller coaster ride. The integration of technology is done using educational...

Students identify Newton's Laws of Motion. They students explore Newton's Laws of Motion and apply the second law with a classroom activity. The videos will provide visual examples of the effects of gravity while riding on a roller coaster.

In this acceleration worksheet, students are given an explanation of the constant acceleration of a roller coaster as it travels up, down and around. Students calculate the acceleration of a roller coaster given its original velocity,...

Students examine the difference between potential and kinetic energy.  In this energy lesson students view a video and apply these energies to real world situations. 

Eighth graders investigate Newton's Laws of Motion. They use the example of a roller coaster for illustration purposes. A force associated with a roller coaster is tested, data graphed, and a conclusion is drawn. They use excel in order...

Students explore physics concepts such as velocity, acceleration and speed to create a model of a safe roller coaster. They design and conduct a lab to demonstrate the properties of an object fired horizontally and at an angle.

A wonderfully rich presentation teaches about magnets and magnetism. Each slide is packed with interesting information on the discovery, history, physics, and uses for magnets. Good photographs, and an emphasis on vocabulary are part of...

Middle schoolers examine  friction and gravity. affect four sports. In this scientific discovery lesson, students examine how friction and gravity affect sports. They discuss, write, and illustrate the effect of different forces on...

Students examine the differences between potential and kinetic energy.  In this physics lesson plan students view a video and apply what they learn about energy to apply it to real world situations. 

Using the 5E method for teaching about kinetic energy, potential energy, and conservation of energy, this two-week unit with many videos and possible extensions is sure to keep pupils engaged as they are learning.

Students watch demonstrations of forces and Newton's Three Laws. In this forces lesson, students watch four demonstrations and complete the associated worksheets associated with Newton's Laws. There is a PowerPoint that can be accessed...

Ready, aim, fire! Launch to a new level of understanding as scholars build and test their own catapults. Learners explore lever design and how adjusting the fulcrum changes the outcome. 

Learners examine the advantages and disadvantages of renewable and non renewable energy sources.  In this engineering instructional activity students explain what it means for a house to be "off the grid".

Young scholars study the friction of a particular sport.  In this weight and energy lesson students choose a sport and us the Internet to research it then present their findings to the class. 

Students study kinetic and potential energy. In this energy lesson, students in grades K-2 understand the differences between kinetic and potential energy. Students in grades 3-5 demonstrate that kinetic and potential energy. Students in...

Students discuss Newton's laws of motion. The conduct motion experiments by building "Newton Rocket Cars" from assorted materials. They propel the cars with rubber bands and wooden blocks and record the distance traveled on data sheets.

Young scholars drop water from different heights to demonstrate the conversion of water's potential energy to kinetic energy. They see how varying the height from which water is dropped affects the splash size. In seeing how falling...

Students participate in assessments involving gravity, forces, and inertia. They select from a menu of options assessments they would like to complete including worksheets, drawing posters, watching videos, creating crossword puzzles,...

Students read The Gadget War by Betsy Duffey. They complete a variety of cross-curricular activities surrounding inventors and inventions. Included are reading, art, math, science, writing, social studies, and library connections.

This video segment explains centripetal force and illustrates how roller coasters rely on it to give you a thrilling ride. Includes background reading material and discussion questions. [4:40]

This is a really fun project even if you don't like going on roller coasters yourself. You'll build a roller coaster track for marbles using foam pipe insulation and masking tape, and see how much of an initial drop is required to get...

[Free Registration/Login Required] Learn about the conservation of energy in the context of a roller coaster.