SDLAX HPL Coaster Challenge

What is the Coaster Challenge?
Coaster Creator is an interactive game that explores the science behind roller coasters. Use your knowledge of potential energy and kinetic energy to design your own coaster. Rapid energy transfer is the key to roller coaster thrills but be careful – too much kinetic energy and you’ll crash, too little and you’ll stall. Play this game and find out if your coaster will be a smash or a snore! 

TAKE THE COASTER CHALLENGE!

Related Resources
Coaster Creator: Tutorial
Supporting Material A printable version of the tutorial from Coaster Creator. This document includes a content tutorial on potential, kinetic, and dissipated energy along with an overview of how to play Coaster Creator.
Coaster Creator Prelab Worksheet
This activity helps develop algebraic thinking and will familiarize students with: potential energy, kinetic energy, and thermal energy in the context of a roller coaster.
Coaster Creator Lab Worksheet
This activity can be used to record students’ problem-solving strategies and practical understanding of potential, kinetic, and thermal energy and energy conversion as they build a safe, fun and unique roller coaster.
Coaster Creator Postlab Worksheet
This resource facilitates students’ analysis of their results from Coaster Creator. Students can use this resource to illuminate the mathematical concepts behind building a successful roller coaster simulation.