Roller coasters are called "gravity rides" for a good reason: once the coaster has been dragged to the top of the first hill and released, it is the force of gravity that keeps the coaster going all the way back to the station platform at the end of the ride. As the coaster goes through its twists, turns, rolls, and loops, it gains and loses its initial potential energy (supplied by dragging it up the first hill). Energy changes from potential into kinetic energy and back into potential energy. Since some of this initial energy is lost due to friction the roller coaster can never rise as high as the first hill. The roller coaster you will design is also a "gravity ride".
We are encouraging schools to build and enter roller coaster models built by teams of students in either of the two grade categories: Grades 5-8 or Grades 9-12. Materials that seem logical include wood, wire, string, twine, doweling, toothpicks, cardboard, construction paper, glue, tape or other low cost items. Commercially available roller coaster kits are discouraged although ideas obtained while building them might profitably be incorporated in the final design. In the "Spirit of the Competition," the key ingredients are creativity and application of science principles. Doing a great job is encouraged over spending lots of money to complete the project.
Roller coasters will judged based on three categories as explained below:
- Technical Merit
- Theme and Creativity
- Most exciting to ride
First & Second Place Prizes will be awarded in the following categories:
- Grades 5-8
- Grades 9-12
The daily winners from the first two days, May 6 and May 13, will be invited back on May 20 and provided with complimentary passes. On May 20, the overall winners will be determined and prizes awarded.
Please note and adhere to the Contest Etiquette as linked here.
Coaster Model Rules
(a) Size restrictions - the base must fit within a square footprint that is 75 cm x 75 cm. The overall track must fit within a rectangular box 75 cm x 75 cm x 100 cm high, including all decorations.
In practice, the team will place their model in a 3-sided form such as shown on the right. If any portion sticks outside the form, the model must be modified until all portions are inside or it will be disqualified. (You should check to make sure you can successfully carry your model in the bus or vehicle you are taking to Physics Day!)
(b) The model should be designed for a steel ball or glass marble. This means that the steel ball or glass marble when released from the top of the first hill by the judge will travel through the entire ride, and arrive at the bottom loading platform. (Note: for this contest, you will raise the steel ball or glass marble by hand from the loading platform to the top of the first hill to start the "ride".)
(c) A ball must be provided by the team so that it can be tested on judging day. The ball must be either a glass marble of regular size or greater (shooter), or a steel ball that is 1 cm (1/2") diameter or greater.
(d) Magnets, electricity, springs and other forms of energy may not be used - this is a "gravity ride" only. These other sources of energy can be used for esthetics (eg, background lighting). No electricity is provided in the contest area.
(e) The starting position at the top of the first hill should be clearly marked. The steel ball or glass marble must end in a designated area or container.
(f) Each competing team can have a maximum of 4 students.
(g) The maximum number of teams from a school is 4.
(h) The decision of the judges is final. Any coaster that violates the rules above or the spirit of the competition will be disqualified.
Daily Procedures
9:00-11:30 - Students bring model to Showtime Theater. Check in with contest official and have size checked as above. (Rule a) Team may make adjustments to the model. Only team members allowed in Showtime Theater.11:30 - Judging starts. Only judges and team members allowed in Showtime Theater.
1:00 - Prizes awarded. Team members and teachers in Showtime Theater.
1:30 - Open House in Showtime Theater for viewing of finished models after prizes are announced.
Judging Criteria
Technical Score (25 pts)Each model will be entitled to three runs. The longest time to go from the Start position to the Finish will be the official time for that model. (25 pts maximum) calculationBonus points for technical merit will be awarded for the following: (Rubric)
5 points per vertical loop. Vertical loop is defined as any time the "rider" is upside down on a loop of track that is within 10° of vertical (see illustration below). If the vertical loop is a portion of a corkscrew (helix), it counts as a vertical loop. Horizontal loops do not add bonus points.
0-15 points may be awarded for degree of openness of track.
0-10 points may be awarded for novel engineering, including use of unusual materials, quality of workmanship, etc.
Theme (creativity & marketability) Score (25 pts)
The model roller coaster will be judged for its merits as a possible ride to be purchased by an amusement park. Theming is an essential element of a new ride. A park marketing manager will judge this category. A score out of 25 will be awarded to each entry. (Rubric)Rider Enjoyment (25 pts)
Members of the American Coaster Enthusiasts will judge each entry for rider enjoyment. These folks have ridden most of the biggest, scariest rides in the world. A score out of 25 will be awarded to each entry. (Rubric)
