Science of the Amusement Park: Physics of Rides

Class Activity #1

My Favorite Ride at the Amusement Park

"Riding a ________"

 

Part A Imagine your favorite ride at an amusement park (omit roller coaster).

 

On paper, write a draft.

• 1)Make a list of "emotion" words that describe how it made you feel at different points of the ride. How did it affect your pulse, heart rate, sense of balance, etc?
• 2) Make a list of words that describe the physical characteristics of the ride.
• 3) Figure out how the ride works:
• a)what simple machines are used
• b)what forces are involved
• c)how does friction affect it?
• d) how does gravity affect this ride?
• e) how do Newton's 3 Laws of Motion apply to this ride.

Part B

Compose an article called "Riding a ________".

 

The 300 words should include: a physical description of ride, how it made you feel and how the ride works (science explanation of the ride).

 

Use the Florida Writes Criteria for guidelines.(Of course, use correct spelling and correct grammar.)

Indicate word count in margin.

Circle words describing feeling.

Put a box around words of physical description.

Underline all science words and science explanations.

 

Part C On a separate piece of paper, draw the ride as indicated and answer the following questions:

• 1.Draw the top view.
• 2.Draw the side view.

 

The following should be described (and labeled where appropriate) on at least one of the views:

• 3.the points of greatest (A) and least (B) velocity .
• 4. the greatest (C) and least (D) momentum.
• 5. the points of the greatest (E) potential energy and (F) least potential energy.
• 6. the points of greatest (G)kinetic energy and least kinetic energy(H).
• 7.Draw any simple machines used in this ride.
• 8.Point out any centripetal forces (I).
• 9.Label any other science facts about this ride that will demonstrate your understanding of the science of this ride.

 

This will be a Major Project Grade. It is due at the beginning of class on Wednesday, Dec 11.

Turn in Parts A, B, C. (Include parent signature.)

 

BONUS POINTS will be given for building a working model of the ride.

 

Student Samples