How to Make a 6th Grade Roller Coaster Science Project

Roller coasters are a fun and educational project.

Roller coasters are where rubber meets the road in physics. The key is to create a track that allows cars to completely pass all the loops by maintaining a proper speed. To do this, you'll need to create a car that is both fast and of sufficient weight.

Things You'll Need

• Paper
• Pencil
• Grey pipe insulation
• Cardboard tubes
• Scissors
• Duct tape
• Marble

Instructions

1. Map out the design you want to create. Draw out all the specific loops and turns and determine where supports must be positioned.

2. Mold the roller coaster using grey pipe insulation for the track and cardboard tubes for the supports.

3. Cut open the insulation to make a track where you can watch the action.

4. Tape the supports onto the insulation using duct tape.

5. Perform a trial run with your track using a marble. If the marble makes it through the roller coaster, then your model worked. If not, modify your roller coaster as necessary.

References

• Kidz World: How Roller Coasters Work
• Discovery Education: The Ultimate Roller Coaster Contest