http://www.teachengineering.org/view_activity.php?url=collection/wpi_/activities/wpi_amusement_park_ride/wpi_amusement_park_ride.xmlactivitytext/xmlMaking the Connection, design processenergyengineering design processgravitational forcemodelkinetic energypotential energyroller coasterkinetic energypotential energygravitational force

Students design, build and test model roller coasters using foam tubing. The design process integrates energy concepts as they test and evaluate designs that address the task as an engineer would. The goal is for students to understand the basics of engineering design associated with kinetic and potential energy to build an optimal roller coaster. The marble starts with potential energy that is converted to kinetic energy as it moves along the track. The diameter of the loops that the marble traverses without falling out depends on the kinetic energy obtained by the marble.

Mechanical and civil engineers are involved in the design of roller coasters. Engineers must understand how the basic physics concepts of energy apply to a successful roller coaster. They must understand how to make it fast and fun, without compromising structural integrity, which is critical for ride safety.Model, test, evaluate and modify a design.Invent a product to meet a need.Use science, math and engineering principles to design and optimize a product.3350TeachEngineering.orgM. CyrC. Shadeproject funded by Lucent Technologies Foundationhttp://www.teachengineering.org/collection/wpi_/activities/wpi_amusement_park_ride/wpi_amusement_park_ride_worksheet_1.pdfhttp://www.teachengineering.org/collection/wpi_/activities/wpi_amusement_park_ride/wpi_amusement_park_ride_worksheet_2.pdfhttp://www.teachengineering.org/collection/wpi_/activities/wpi_amusement_park_ride/wpi_amusement_park_ride_worksheet_3.pdfhttp://www.rcdb.com/S101B656MassachusettsScience13. Differentiate between potential and kinetic energy. Identify situations where kinetic energy is transformed into potential energy and vice versa.68S1012153MassachusettsScience2.1 Identify and explain the steps of the engineering design process, i.e., identify the need or problem, research the problem, develop possible solutions, select the best possible solution(s), construct a prototype, test and evaluate, communicate the solution(s), and redesign.68S1009558MassachusettsScience2.2 Demonstrate methods of representing solutions to a design problem, e.g., sketches, orthographic projections, multiview drawings.68S1011180MassachusettsScience2.3 Describe and explain the purpose of a given prototype.68United StatesCopyright 2012 - Making the Connection, Women in Engineering Programs and Advocates Network (WEPAN)http://www.teachengineering.org/policy_ipp.phphttp://www.teachengineering.org/2011-12-287Teacher