Students in Sartartia Middle School’s 7th grade science classes were able to figure out how fast a roller coaster must travel to make it through loops and over hills with a first-hand perspective in engineering design this year. 

Alex Remy and Christopher Nguyen with their rollercoaster, the “Texas Tumbler.”

As students were exploring physics principles such as potential/kinetic energy, velocity, and friction, they designed and tested foam rollercoasters for marbles.  Students completed a paper design of the project, then built and tested their coaster. The students named their rollercoaster and created a media advertisement to promote it. 

“It was a great showing of teamwork and camaraderie, and a great learning experience,” said Jennifer Slater, 7th grade science teacher.