Pool Noodle Roller Coaster

Created Dec. 4, 2023 by Kayla Hildreth

Pool Noodle Roller Coaster

Time Frame: 5-7 days

Stage 1 - Desired Results

Big Idea(s)
  1. The students will design, create, and improve a roller coaster using pool noodles that will be tested with a marble.
  2. The students will define various vocabulary words related to energy.
  3. The students will calculate the speed of the marble that passes through the roller coaster.
  4. The students will construct a scatterplot to display the data of the entire class.

 

PA Core Standards / Next Generation Science Standards
T & E EducationScience EducationEnvironment & EcologyMathematics EducationComputer ScienceCEW
● 3.6.7.C: Explain physical technologies of structural design, analysis and engineering, personnel relations, financial affairs, structural production, marketing, research and design.  ● 3.7.7.B: Use appropriate instruments and apparatus to study materials.
● 3.7.7.E: Explain basic computer communications systems.
● 3.2.7.A: Explain and apply scientific and technological knowledge.
●3.2.7.B: Apply process knowledge to make and interpret observations.
●3.2.7.C: Identify and use the elements of scientific inquiry to solve problems.
●3.2.7.D: Know and use the technological design process to solve problems.
●3.4.7.C: Identify and explain the principles of force and motion		●CC.2.1.7.E.1: Apply and extend previous understandings of operations with fractions to operations with rational numbers.
●CC.2.2.7.B.1: Apply properties of operations to generate equivalent expressions.
●CC.2.2.7.B.3: Model and solve real-world and mathematical problems by using and connecting numerical algebraic, and/or graphical representations.		●1A-IC-17: Work respectfully and responsibly with others online.
●1A-IC-18: Keep login information private, and log off of devices appropriately.		●13.1.5.H: Connect personal interests and abilities and academic strengths to personal career options.
●13.2.5.A: Apply appropriate speaking and listening techniques used in conversation.
●13.2.5.E: Apply to daily activities, the essential workplace skills.

 

Essential Questions
  • How can the speed and distance traveled by an object be used to find the object’s speed?
  • How does the height of a starting point of an object affect the object’s speed?


Students Will KnowStudents Will Be Doing

● Content specific vocabulary

         Gravitational potential energy

         Kinetic energy

         Speed

         Average Speed

● Steps of design process

  • Researching various roller coasters from around the world and their top speeds
  • Designing a roller coaster using pool noodles following various constraints

Stage 2 - Evidence of Understanding

Assessments (Formative and Summative):Performance Task(s)

Informal Classroom Assessment:

  • Classroom observations, questioning

Formal assessments on:

  • Calculation of speed using time and distance
  • Creation of scatter plot displaying data of classmates

Individual Course Summative Assessment

  • Product created following the criteria and constraints provided for the construction of a rollercoaster
  •  Research of rollercoasters documentation
  •  Sketch of roller coasters during brainstorming process
  • Product created following the criteria and constraints provided for the constructions of a rollercoaster  

  

Stage 3 - Lesson Learning Targets

Learning Activities:Learning targets are written from the students perspective.
I can…
-          Identify
-          List/Tell
-          Describe
-          Solve
-          Convert
These should lead up to answering the Essential Question(s).
  • Make and record observations
  • Explain steps and iterations followed
  • Make basic inferences and logical predictions from data/observations
  • Construct models given criteria
  • Organize data
  • Compare and contrast data
  • Test and analyze test results
  • Apply results to improve design and function
  • Make physical modifications based on observations from test
  • Select appropriate graph and organize & display data
  • Use and show reasoning, planning and evidence
  • Compare information within or across data sets
  • Analyze and draw conclusions from data, citing evidence

 

RESOURCES / LINKS

 

ActivitiesPresentationsAssessments

Teacher and Student Resources

  • Pool Noodle Roller Coaster
  • Student data record keeping
  • Peer & Self Evaluation
  • Group Conclusions


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