Ask
Students will define the problem by exploring the essential question, gathering research from various sources, and collaborating with an amusement park expert to identify real-world constraints on roller coaster design, setting the foundation for innovative thinking in subsequent phases.
Days 1 - 3
105 min over capacity (135 min available across 3 days)
Researching Roller Coaster Design
Activity 45m
Roller Coaster Creator Challenge
Launch 60m
Guest Speaker: Amusement Park Expert
Activity 45m
Collaborative Constraints Mapping
Activity 45m
Peer Feedback Session on Research Progress
Deliverable 45m
Research Findings Presentation
Assessment
Design Constraints Analysis Report
Assessment
Imagine
Students will brainstorm creative roller coaster design ideas using mind maps and sketches, examining how to navigate constraints of materials and budget, while gaining insights from research and peer discussions to refine their concepts.
Days 3 - 5
165 min over capacity (135 min available across 3 days)
Mind Map Brainstorm Session
Activity 60m
Initial Sketch Workshop
Activity 45m
Roller Coaster Inspiration Gallery Walk
Launch 45m
Final Tuning and Adjustments
Activity 45m
Peer Design Review and Feedback Session
Deliverable 60m
Research Findings Collaboration
Activity 45m
Research Portfolio Submission
Assessment
Mind Map and Sketch Presentation
Assessment
Plan
Students will collaborate in teams to select the most feasible roller coaster prototype idea and develop a detailed construction plan considering budget and material constraints, utilizing research findings and community partner insights.
Days 5 - 7
105 min over capacity (135 min available across 3 days)
Design Plan Drafting and Feedback Session
Deliverable 45m
Research and Budget Workshop
Activity 60m
Material Selection and Problem-Solving Challenge
Activity 50m
Reflective Journaling and Group Discussion
Deliverable 40m
Design Plan Presentation Preparation
Activity 45m
Collaborative Design Plan Presentation
Assessment
Team Reflection on Design Process
Assessment
Create
Students will construct initial roller coaster prototypes using everyday materials, applying their knowledge from research and planning to solve engineering challenges within budget constraints and prepare for testing and refinement in subsequent phases.
Days 7 - 9
150 min over capacity (135 min available across 3 days)
Design and Build Session
Activity 90m
Roller Coaster Material Selection Workshop
Activity 60m
Self-Reflection Journal Activity
Deliverable 30m
Peer Feedback Exchange
Deliverable 45m
Prototype Refinement Workshop
Activity 60m
Self-Reflection Log
Assessment
Roller Coaster Prototype Presentation
Assessment
Test
Students will conduct hands-on tests of their roller coaster models to observe performance, collect feedback on safety and functionality, analyze data against budget and material constraints, and prepare for design revisions.
Days 9 - 11
105 min over capacity (135 min available across 3 days)
Reflective Journaling on Test Observations
Deliverable 30m
Roller Coaster Test Run Observation
Activity 60m
Mini Presentation Dry Run
Deliverable 45m
Roller Coaster Performance Evaluation
Assessment
Peer Feedback Carousel
Deliverable 45m
Design Revision Planning
Activity 60m
Design Revision Presentation
Assessment
Improve
Students will analyze feedback and test data from their initial roller coaster prototypes to revise and enhance design features, creating improvements that address the essential question about overcoming real-world constraints.
Days 11 - 13
105 min over capacity (135 min available across 3 days)
Collaborative Design Workshop
Activity 60m
Reflective Design Journal
Deliverable 30m
Engineering Experts Q&A
Launch 45m
Hands-on Design Revision
Activity 60m
Revised Portfolio Submission
Assessment
Peer Feedback Session
Deliverable 45m
Design Improvement and Reflection Presentation
Assessment
Share
Students will present their roller coaster prototypes at the Amusement Expo, engage in interactive Q&A sessions with experts and peers, and reflect on their learning journey to articulate how they've navigated real-world constraints throughout the project.
Days 13 - 14
60 min over capacity (90 min available across 2 days)
Expo Presentation Rehearsal
Activity 60m
Peer Feedback Workshop
Deliverable 45m
Interactive Q&A Practice
Activity 45m
Amusement Expo: Roller Coaster Presentation
Assessment
Interactive Q&A Session
Assessment