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STEM Project: Roller Coasters
STEM Project: Roller Coasters
In 2021 and 2022, I taught my students about the engineer design process (EDP) and force and motion. We built roller coasters using the steps in the EDP and our knowledge of force and motion.
In 2021 and 2022, I taught my students about the engineer design process (EDP) and force and motion. We built roller coasters using the steps in the EDP and our knowledge of force and motion.
Here is the assignment that I gave to students:
You have been hired to build a new roller coaster for our theme park! People have been getting bored of the same old rides, and we need something that will help keep our customers happy and coming back. The rides are short and slow, and we need something different. Here is what we are looking for:
A very tall roller coaster (at least 4 feet tall).
A slow ride- something should be able to get from the top to the bottom but not take too long (15 seconds or more).
The roller coaster should use force to create motion.
The roller coaster needs to have at least 3 components:
You must use at least 3 different materials to create your roller coaster
It must have at least 1 loop or hill
There must be at least 1 disconnected part of the roller coaster before it reaches the bottom, also known as an air drop
We are very excited to see what you come up with!
The Engineer Design Process
The Engineer Design Process
Students followed these steps in order to build their roller coasters.
Ask: First, we asked questions: what are the constraints? What are the criteria?
Imagine: What do roller coasters look like? What components do they need? We explored materials and imagined what we could do with them (pool noodles, paper towel rolls, funnels, tapes, cups, etc.)
Plan: We made detailed plans for our roller coasters with labelled parts.
Create: We built our rollercoasters and tested them over and over.
Improve: What changes can we make to make our roller coasters better?
Reflection
Reflection
Students then reflected on the process. They learned so many valuable skills. They learned that making mistakes is part of learning. They learned that if they don't give up, they can succeed. They learned that engineering can be fun, but it is also hard work!
They learned that they can be Scientists and Engineers if they want to be!
Overall, this process was amazing and informative. As a teacher, I learned so much about what my students need to succeed. I am working on publishing a paper on this material.
Students need opportunities to try and fail, and to try again. They need time to work in groups to work out their issues and fail and succeed together. This project not only helped them learn about force and motion, but they learned about themselves and the world around them. They learned skills to regulate their emotions. They learned how to work through problems in groups, and problems of personal self doubt. It was amazing to watch this transformation. STEM has the power to transform and inspire our students.
STEM Project: Mars Rovers
STEM Project: Mars Rovers
In 2021, my students and I watched as the new Mars Rover landed on Mars. They couldn't contain their excitement! I knew I had to respond to their enthusiasm.
So I set out to create a unit in which students built Mars Rovers.
Students followed the Engineer Design Process to brainstorm, build, and create Mars Rovers.
We had a zoom with Dr. Robert Pfaff of NASA and were able to ask questions to gain understanding about what were were setting out to do. You can find the video here. I believe building partnerships with real Scientists is an important step in getting students on board with STEM. Mentors and real world connections are key.
Please see the document below to learn more about our amazing journey.
Reflection
Reflection
We reflected on what we learned about Mars and Mars Rovers. Reflection is a key part of the process. It allows students to form their own ideas about what they learned instead of being told what to think and feel.
NASA Science Space Explore offers information for students about exploring space. This specific webpage goes into detail about Mars Rovers- what they are, and characteristics of specific rovers.
This website is directly from NASA, and has overviews, images, and articles associated with Perseverance. This website can be used to find resources and to let students explore more information about the mission and the rover.
This website can be used to help supplement student's understanding of various subjects. For example, they have articles on engineering, motors, and mars. Students can explore various articles to learn more about specific aspects of their project to help build understanding and add meaning to this activity.
Thinking of doing a STEM project but need some ideas or encouragement? I would love to help! You can do these projects with a class, small groups, or even at home! Feel free to email me at tnhewitt@gmail.com. Please put in the headline: STEM Project from Website. I look forward to hearing from you!
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