Roll with your class into the idea of conservation of energy. Pupils use a roller coaster track to collect data to reinforce the concept of conservation of energy and the influence of friction. Class members then create a graph from their calculated data. 

Concepts

energy conservation, gravitational potential energy, potential energy, friction, kinetic energy, roller coasters, technology resources

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Instructional Ideas

• If a roller coaster track is not available, use a toy car track and toy car
• Do some sample calculations with the class before having them collect data and do the calculations on their own

Classroom Considerations

• The activity requires a photo gate and a marble roller coaster track
• The fourth installment in an eight-part series

Pros

• The worksheet provides tables where pupils record measurements
• Answers to the assessment questions provide the mathematics needed to arrive at the answer

Cons

• It might be difficult to access photo gates 

Common Core

HSA-REI.B.3 HSA-REI.B.4.b HSF-IF.B.4 HSS-ID.B.6.a MP4