Thinkquest: The Physics of Amusement Parks
http://library.thinkquest.org/2745/data/openpark.htm
Learn about potential and kinetic energy as well as about centripetal
force.
Roller Coaster
http://www.rollercoaster.com/
Links related to Roller Coasters.
Coaster Quest
http://www.coasterquest.com/
Here, you can learn plenty of interesting information about Roller
Coasters and Amusement Rides.
Matt's Carnival Warehouse
http://www.carnivalwarehouse.com/mcw.asp
A website for carnival fans, and show people.
Roller Coaster Australia
http://www.roller-coaster.com.au/
View images of Roller Coasters in Australia.
Catapult Plan Index
http://icatapults.freeservers.com/plans.htm
Collection of plan for building simple through to advanced catapults
Roller Coaster Simulation
http://www.funderstanding.com/k12/coaster/
This simulator is designed for kids who want to design their own thrilling
coaster and educators who want to use a cool activity to simulate the
application of physics by using an exciting interactive tool and access to
a wonderful reference source.
Questacon Virtual Roller Coaster
http://virtual.questacon.edu.au/rollercoaster/main.html
Drag the pieces around the screen to create a roller coaster that you can
test yourself.
Multimedia Physics Studio
http://www.physicsclassroom.com/mmedia/index.html
These multimedia animations help you visualize and understand major
physics concepts. The animations cover common physics principles discussed
in a first year physics course.
Online Roller Coaster Lab
http://www.vast.org/vip/book/online_lab/ANACONDA/DEFAULT.htm
Learn how to estimate a roller coaster\'s speed at a distant location.
Design a Roller Coaster
http://www.learner.org/exhibits/parkphysics/coaster.html
You will be building a conceptual coaster using the physics concepts that
are used to design real coasters.
Online Coaster Lab
http://dsc.discovery.com/convergence/coasters/interactive/interactive.html
Create your own ride by dragging the pieces and joining them.
Lessons
Amusement Park Activities
http://www.eduplace.com/monthlytheme/july/parks_activities.html
Integrated lesson plans related to the theme of amusement parks.
Marshmallow Catapult Lab
http://www.usoe.k12.ut.us/curr/science/core/plans/int/grape.html
Students will make a catapult and use it to fling a marshmallow into a
bucket.
Historical Catapults
http://www.asme.org/Education/PreCollege/TeacherResources/Historical_Catapults.cfm
Students research and model a historical catapult that is capable of
launching a penny at least 10 metres.
Roller Coaster Fun
http://pbskids.org/zoom/activities/sci/rollercoaster.html
Make a marble loop-de-loop on a track that you design.
Roller Coaster Activities
http://www.udel.edu/sine/students/coasters/
Ideas for using online roller coaster simulations in the classroom.
Roller Coaster Contest
http://school.discovery.com/lessonplans/programs/rollercoaster/
Students will learn that mechanical energy forms gravitational potential
energy and kinetic energy.
Coaster Connections
http://score.kings.k12.ca.us/lessons/coaster.connection/coaster.htm
Links, information and activities related to roller coasters.
Webquest: Roller Coaster Mania
http://www.besd61.k12.il.us/webquests/5th%20Grade/Bushman/roller%20coaster/rcstudent.html
In this webquest students will learn the basics of physics in relation to
roller coasters.
Teacher Reference
Joyrides>
http://www.joyrides.com/links.htm
With the increasing popularity of amusement parks and roller coasters,
there\'s been an explosion of related web pages and other Internet
resources. These are the ones that I consider the most noteworthy.
Animations of g forces.
Roller Coaster G-Forces
http://www.glenbrook.k12.il.us/gbssci/phys/mmedia/circmot/rcd.html
Gif animation demonstrating G-Forces of a roller coaster ride.
Popular Science: What's Up with G-forces?
http://www.popsci.com/popsci/futurecar/30219aa138b84010vgnvcm1000004eecbccdrcrd.html
Fighter pilots and racecar drivers deal with serious g-loads every day.
But what exactly are they?
Roller coaster Physics
http://ffden-2.phys.uaf.edu/211_fall2002.web.dir/Shawna_Sastamoinen/Roller_Coasters.htm
The science behind the thrills.
About G-Forces
http://www.exhibitize.com/samples/final/About_G-Forces_lg.gif
Poster depicting varying amounts of G-Force.
Simulating G-Forces
http://www.toronto.drdc-rddc.gc.ca/images/facilities/f04_cent.jpg
G-Forces And The Body
http://vivaldi.zool.gu.se/slagkraft/English_summary_WEB/Slide5.JPG
Roller Coaster Image
http://www.roller-coaster.com.au/gallery/cyclone-dw/006.jpg
Clothoid Loop
http://ffden-2.phys.uaf.edu/211_fall2002.web.dir/Shawna_Sastamoinen/Clothoid_Loop.htm
Roller coasters today employ clothoid loops rather than the circular loops
of earlier roller coasters. Learn about the physics behind them.