Wednesday, June 17, 2015
Paper Roller Coasters
One of my students had a passion for all things roller coasters, so I did paper roller coasters with my 5th grade math students this year, and they loved it! Students worked on it this fall in small groups, and then wanted to re-visit it at the end of the year so they all collaborated together to make a giant one. The fine motor piece of cutting, folding, and taping made it difficult for younger students. I would recommend 4th - high school students. You could use it as a very exploratory project where students are creating and collaborating, or you could go very in depth into the math and science of how roller coasters work. There are tons of books about the history of roller coasters, and the science of roller coasters. The project came from www.PaperRollerCoasters.com Enjoy!
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Wow Laura, I had a student with a roller coaster passion several years ago! He would have loved this!
ReplyDeleteWow Laura, I had a student with a roller coaster passion several years ago! He would have loved this!
ReplyDeleteHave you ever had students work on Rube Goldberg "machines"? This also reminds me of a game I used to play back in the age of dinosaurs called Mousetrap!
ReplyDeleteTammy, I loved Mousetrap also! And, for students, I think Rube Goldberg machines are tons of fun. Our kiddos can really run with those complex and crazy ideas. Those would be good to showcase if your school has a "Night of the Arts"!
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