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Created 3/29/16. Updates available online.

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Roller Coaster Physics Investigation A gold star indicates high-quality, inquiry-based activities that follow the PhET design guidelines.



Title Roller Coaster Physics Investigation
Description An inquiry-based activity that strengthens understanding about energy conservation. Students design roller coaster tracks and test them. Post-lab questions include ideas about circular motion as well.
Subject Physics
Level High School, Middle School
Type Concept Questions, Homework, Lab
Duration 90 minutes
Answers Included No
Language English
Keywords acceleration, conservation of energy, kinetic, potential
Simulation(s) Energy Skate Park

Author(s) Scott McCurdy
Contact Email scmccurdy@smcps.org
School / Organization St Mary's County Public Schools
Date submitted 5/5/08
Date updated 11/14/08

Comments

I think this is a nice balance between inquiry and structure for middle school Trish   6/29/08

Comment on this activity

How did you use this activity or change it for your class? Answer keys are often not available because the activities are inquiry based and lead to multiple answers. Professionally constructive comments welcome.

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