Paper Roller Coaster Momentum & Energy STEM Lab (ENG05)

Bring mechanical physics, gravitational potential vs. kinetic energy transformations, centripetal acceleration, friction loss mitigation, and average velocity math to life with the Paper Roller Coaster Momentum & Energy STEM Lab (ENG05)! Designed for Middle School Physical Science, Physics, Mechanical Engineering, Math, and STEM classes, this 3-page, print-ready lab packet challenges students to engineer functional cardstock roller coasters complete with vertical loops and banked turns.

What Is Included in This 3-Page Packet?

• 📋 Page 1: Teacher Guide & Lesson Plan

  Features NGSS alignment (MS-PS3-1 Kinetic Energy Relationships, MS-PS3-2 Gravitational Potential Energy, MS-ETS1-2 Engineering Design), key energy physics concepts, station testing setup directions, track alignment troubleshooting tips, and a full teacher answer key.

• 🎢 Page 2: Student Mission Card & Blueprint

  Hooks students with a theme park infrastructure engineering scenario to design extreme, smooth-riding roller coasters. Includes material constraints (cardstock track strips, masking tape, marble, meter stick, stopwatch) and a dedicated schematic sketching zone to diagram starting hill elevations, loop entry velocities, centripetal acceleration vectors, and banked curve friction zones.

• 📊 Page 3: Testing Log & Scientific Reflection

  Features a structured lab data table tracking total track length in centimeters, marble run time in seconds, and track derailment failure observations across testing trials. Includes an applied math section to calculate Average Velocity (v = distance / time) in centimeters per second, followed by reflection questions analyzing gravitational energy conversion, loop centripetal force requirements, and track friction reduction.

Educational Value & Key Benefits:

• Hands-On Physics Mechanics: Connects initial gravitational potential energy directly to loop kinetic energy and track friction resistance.

• Integrates Applied Math & Velocity Calculations: Teaches students how to measure metric distance and elapsed time to compute average velocity.

• Low-Cost High-Engagement STEM: Uses inexpensive items like cardstock paper strips, tape, marbles, and timers for an unforgettable classroom physics lab across Grades 6–8.