By Helen Downey - Mary Help of Christians School
Photographer: COURTESY PHOTO
Mary Help of Christians School's seventh graders pose for a photo during their experiment with "roller coaster" math. From left: Kevin Milakovic, Nicolas Martin, Christopher Diaz, Martin Nido, Nicolas Yovino, Emily Pallack, Anthony Mandravellos, Adriana Diaz, Jasmine Winchester, Ashley Ruf, David Morales, Camryn Smalling, Kate Spoor, Emily Solanet, Kailey Norusis, Izabelle Victor and Madison Grushoff.
PARKLAND | Seventh grade students at Mary Help of Christians School tested Newton�s equations in a thrilling and unique way recently: using roller coaster math.
�The students learned that the mass variable cancels so weight doesn�t affect the thrill of a roller-coaster. When testing the equations out students found a problem - friction. Therefore the next step was to try and eliminate friction,� said Lisa Kempinski, math teacher.
�The students learned that the mass variable cancels so weight doesn�t affect the thrill of a roller-coaster. When testing the equations out students found a problem - friction. Therefore the next step was to try and eliminate friction,� said Lisa Kempinski, math teacher.
Before beginning the project, the students worked on solving for variables in equations without knowing the value of the variables. Next, the students researched the equations for potential energy, kinetic energy, and velocity needed to complete a loop. Using these equations the students were able to determine the height needed to complete the loop of a roller coaster in terms of the radius of the loop.
Finally, the students got the opportunity to test their equations. However, upon testing their equations they found that a higher starting point than the one they calculated was needed to complete the loop, which they deducted was due to friction.
