Second Graders Apply Kinetic and Potential Energy Knowledge to Build Roller Coasters

During their science unit on balance and motion, second grade students applied their knowledge of kinetic and potential energy and energy conversion to build roller coasters!

Students were challenged to design a roller coaster that could support and transport a ball from one end of the coaster to the other. They incorporated elements such as loops and curves into their designs, accounting for the amount of potential energy the ball would need to get to the end. Our teachers encourage our students to develop breakthrough thinking – using creativity, resilience, and responsibility to solve problems!