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Paper Plate Roller Coaster Project

Paper Plate Roller Coaster Project

Learn more about the difference between potential and kinetic energy with this hands-on activity. Build a marble roller coaster by using simple materials while also exploring force and motion.

Materials Needed for this Paper Plate Roller Coaster Project:

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Watch the video on how to make this Paper Plate Roller Coaster Project

 

Let’s slow it down with step-by-step directions on how to make this paper plate roller coaster project.

Step 1:

Stack and tape the cups at different heights to make the structure for the marble track.

Step 2:

Tape the cup towers onto a table or a large piece of cardboard to keep them in place.

Step 3:

Cut out the middle of a paper plate.

Step 4:

Cut different sizes out of your track from the paper plate.

Step 5:

Before taping the track onto your cup tower, you may need to fold the sides of the track so that the marble doesn’t roll out.

Step 6:

Test your coaster and make modifications to make it even better. Use these worksheets to keep track of your different tests. Notice the change from potential to kinetic energy.

 

Want the templates seen here? You can grab them here in my TpT shop!

If you are looking for…

  • A Low-prep STEM lesson & easy-to-find materials
  • An engaging, hands-on activity that has guided directions
  • Opportunities for students to add their creativity
  • A quick, one-day STEM lesson for after-school clubs, homework extensions, station rotation (and more!)

Then this lesson is PERFECT FOR YOU!

 

This product includes:

  • Easy project with simple materials
  • Digital & Printable
  • Written & video directions
  • Content-specific vocabulary
  • Science behind the project
  • Resources to explore the topic more
  • Experiment to test the design

 

Grab the full lesson HERE!

 

 

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More About The Author, Naomi Meredith

Naomi Meredith is a K-5 STEM educator and business owner in Colorado supporting elementary teachers world-wide navigate the best practices, strategies and tools out there. With over a decade of experience teaching, 5 years teaching elementary STEM, along with a M.Ed. in STEM Leadership and STEM Certificate, Naomi helps teachers world-wide to navigate best practices, strategies and tools out there.

She offers a variety of tools to help teachers feel successful teaching STEM to their elementary students through lesson plans, online courses, coaching and speaking events.

She truly believes that any teacher out there can learn how to use STEM, innovation and hands-on learning in their classrooms effectively. She can’t wait to connect with you and be your guide!

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