coasters_hl_12.17

Please keep all marbles on the track at all times!

You might have ridden a rollercoaster, but have you ever thought about the science that goes into building one? East Union physics teacher Mrs. Juliet Mathews has incorporated that science into a group project for her students, tasking them to build their very own thrilling coaster.

Mrs. Mathews made learning fun for students, creating a project that incorportates high school base curriculum for physics. “Almost every concept in physics can be connected to what they’re doing— momentum, energy, conversions, conservation of energy, you name it. Anything we do in the classroom, I can point to the rollercoaster and say, ‘Hey, this is what is happening here!’”

Students started this project in October, spending three months conceptualizing, designing, and decorating their coasters with one common goal in mind: keep a marble on the coaster’s track.

Student Nolan Mix mentioned that before reaching the end of the track the marble, “has to be able to run from the start and around the loop once vertically and then once horizontally as well.”

“You have to make sure it is at the right angle so the marble doesn’t fly out,” added student Norene Mount, “you also have to make sure the marble has enough force so it can go through the loops.”

From wire, to tubing, and even a pool noodle, students creatively engineered their coaster’s tracks and problem solved the challenge laid in front of them. Several students shared that Mrs. Mathews was a great resource for inspiration and advice, after all she has been assigning this project for almost 15 years!

“Mrs. Mathews has helped us a lot. She gave us many ideas about detailing, artwork and more. She also gave us a variety of essays and lectures for reference,” stated senior Jyruz Faustorilla.

Overall, students seemed very satisfied with their work. Norene said,

“Our project took a lot of time; it took four weeks to finish building and it’s not quite finished yet. We’ve accomplished so much, and it works pretty well so I am proud of our group and really happy I got to experience this.”