This week, Jefferson High School’s AP Physics students brought the excitement of an amusement park to the classroom by designing and building their very own marble roller coasters. This hands-on project challenged students to apply key physics principles, including momentum, energy transfer, and forces, in a creative and engaging way.
Working in small groups, the students crafted intricate tracks using materials like foam tubing, tape, and cardboard. Each roller coaster featured unique designs, complete with drops, turns, and loops. The goal? To create a marble coaster that not only worked but also demonstrated an understanding of the physics concepts they’ve been studying.
According to the students, one of the most enjoyable parts of the project was experimenting with different designs to find the perfect balance of fun and functionality. However, the project wasn’t without its challenges. They found that figuring out the exact height for the initial drop was the hardest part. They explained that the marble needed just the right amount of momentum to make it through the loops without flying off the track.
AP Physics teacher Mrs. Beck praised the students for their creativity and problem-solving skills while experiencing physics in action and troubleshooting real-world applications.
