Project Title

Designing a Roller Coaster

 

Introduction

Almost everyone has ridden or at least seen a roller coaster in action. Did you know that there is a connection between roller coasters and the algebra you have been studying in this unit? Engineers rely on their knowledge of algebra to design roller coasters to make them both thrilling and safe at the same time. Use these websites to learn how algebra is involved in roller coasters designs, or use an Internet search engine and key in roller coasters and algebra to find other websites.

 

http://www.funderstanding.com/coaster

http://www.thefutureschannel.com/dockets/algebra/roller_coasters/

http://mathdl.maa.org/images/upload_library/4/vol5/coaster/coasterapplet.htm

http://nlvm.usu.edu/en/nav/frames_asid_331_g_3_t_2.html?from=category_g_3_t_2.html

 

 

 

Unit3Project

 

Figure1: Sample Roller Coaster Sketch

 

Task

 

For this project you or your group will use your knowledge of algebra functions to analyze how engineers use algebra functions to design a rollercoaster. You will use websites to explore the design of other roller coasters, and then create your own rollercoaster, identify key points, and create graphs to describe the layout of the track.

 

 

Instructions

 

Problem 1:

 

Examine the graph of the side view of a rollercoaster (Figure 1 above). What can you say about the graph between x = 0 and x = 4? What is special about the curve between x = 8 and x = 11? Use your knowledge of proportional, linear, and non-linear functions to describe the rollercoaster’s curve on each different section of the track.

 

 

Problem 2:

 

Now it’s your turn. Design your own rollercoaster and draw the side view on a piece of poster board. The roller coaster should have at least two hills and one loop. Layout both the “X” and “Y” axis, labeling each axis with appropriate intervals for selecting ordered pairs.

 

You can use these websites to get ideas for your rollercoaster, or search the Internet for rollercoaster designs:

 

http://www.coastergallery.com/2000T/hp.html

http://www.coastergallery.com/1999T/SFGA.html

 

Write a one to two-page paper that compares and contrasts how your roller coaster uses functions. Be sure to include specific details about any proportional, linear, and non-linear functions. Include graphs, tables, and equations to support your discussion.

 

Problem 3:

 

Create an interactive poster to explain how your roller coaster has a relationship between its design and algebra functions.  Paste the following into your web browser: http://www.glogster.com/edit/glog/?action=glogs_create, do an Internet search for glogster, or ask your instructor for other sites that allow you to create interactive posters.

 

Collaboration

 

Discuss with other students or group members the relationship between your roller coaster and the design of other roller coasters. Use pictures of roller coasters at Hershey Park or Six Flags Great America for comparison.

 

Conclusions

 

Share the findings of your project with others using any of the following methods:

 

·         Present the answers to the problems and the interactive poster to the other students in your class.

·         Present the answers to the problems and the interactive poster to the other students in your class using a multimedia presentation.

·         Post the answers on the class Wiki for sharing with parents and fellow students. Request feedback and comments from those viewing your work.

 

 

Grade

 

Your project will be given a score of 1 to 4, with 4 being the highest score possible. You will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

 

Score

Content

Presentation

4

Your project includes a complete understanding of the algebra functions required to solve the problems.

 

Your written reports use appropriate algebra functions to answer problems.

 

Your project uses appropriate graphs and tables to support written reports.

 

Your interactive poster includes all the appropriate pictures, video(s), graphs, tables, and equations.

                                                                          

Your presentation is detailed and clear. Explanation includes the important algebra functions required in the project in logical sequence that is easy to understand.

                                                            

3

Your project includes a good understanding of the algebra functions required to solve the problems.

 

Your written reports use appropriate algebra functions to answer problems.

 

Your project uses appropriate graphs and tables to support written reports.

 

Your poster includes all the appropriate pictures, video(s), graphs, and tables. However, it is not interactive.

 

Your presentation is clear. Explanation includes the important algebra functions required in the project in logical sequence that is easy to understand.

 

2

Your project includes a good understanding of the algebra functions required to solve the problems.

 

Your written reports do not include all the appropriate algebra functions to answer problems.

 

Your project’s graphs and tables do not support written reports.

 

Your poster pictures, video(s), graphs, and tables do not support the algebra. However, it is interactive.

 

Your presentation is a little difficult to understand but includes most of the important algebra functions required in the project.

 

1

Your project does not show you understand the algebra functions required to solve the problems.

 

Your written reports do not indicate you understand all the appropriate algebra functions to answer problems.

 

Your project’s written reports do not include graphs and tables.

 

You did not complete the interactive poster.

 

 

Your presentation is difficult to understand and does not include several important algebra functions required in the project.

 


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