Design 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.

www.Desmos.com
http://www.funderstanding.com/educators/coaster/
http://thefutureschannel.com/#loaded
google.com
https://www.learner.org/exhibits/parkphysics/coaster/

Objectives
Students will
 Use their 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.

Figure1: Sample Roller Coaster Sketch

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

Graph your roller coaster on desmos or graph paper. Provide the equations of each function, for
example if you have a parabola give us the equation of the parabola. Your roller coaster must
contain at least 5 equations.

Problem 3:

Create a powerpoint presentation to explain how your roller coaster has a relationship between
its design and algebra functions. Minimum of 10 slides. Send this presentation to your teacher:
Shirley.martinson@thompsonschools.org
Austin.kolm@thompsonschools.org
Gustavo.munoz@thompsonschools.org
Madison.rhodes@thompsonschools.org

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.

In the presentation you should include your answers for all of the problems, including
calculations and all of the work. IF YOU USE ANY WEBSITES TO HELP YOU ANSWER THE
PROBLEMS, YOU HAVE TO CITE THEM AND YOU HAVE TO PROVIDE A CITATIONS
SLIDE
PLAGIARISM IS NOT ALLOWED. IF YOU ARE CAUGHT PLAGIARISING YOU WILL
RECEIVE A 0 ON THIS PROJECT.
Score Problem 1
All five sections of the roller
coaster have been described
with the kind of equation and
key points.
4 been labeled at intervals
Four of the five sections of the
roller coaster have been
described with the kind of
equation and key points.
3 you used.
Problem 2
A side-view of a new roller
coaster has been presented on
graph paper or via Desmos.
Both the X and Y axes have
names.
Both the X and Y axes have
representing each of the 5+
sections of the graph.
The graph contains at least five
equations making up the roller
coaster.
A side-view of a new roller
coaster has been presented on
graph paper or via Desmos.
Both the X and Y axes have
names.
Both the X and Y axes have
been labeled at intervals
representing 4 sections of the
graph.
The graph contains four
equations making up the roller
coaster.
Problem 3
The powerpoint presentation
includes:
 10 or more slides.
 Title slide
 Your work and answers
to Part 1.
 A description of your
roller coaster design
including the equations
you used.
 A picture of your roller
coaster side - view.
 Any and all work for
Parts 1 and 2.
 a slide with citations in
MLA or APA format.
The powerpoint presentation
includes:
 8 or more slides.
 Title slide
 Your answers to Part 1.
 A description of your
roller coaster design
including the equations
 A picture of your roller
coaster side - view.
 Any and all work for
Parts 1 and 2.
 a slide with citations in
MLA or APA format.
 Three of the five sections of the
roller coaster have been
described with the kind of
equation and key points.
2 have been labeled at intervals
A side-view of a new roller
coaster has been presented on
graph paper or via Desmos.
One of the X or Y axes do not
have a name.
One or both of the X and Y axes
representing 3 sections of the
graph.
The graph contains three
equations making up the roller
coaster.
The powerpoint presentation
includes:
 6 or more slides.
 Four answers to Part 1.
 A description of your
roller coaster design with
at least three equations
used.
 A picture of your roller
coaster side - view.
 a slide with citations in
MLA or APA format.