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Grades 3–8

Online Roller Coaster STEM Project

Grades 3–82 hrsNGSS aligned

Students design, test, and improve their own roller coaster in Qweebi's online Makerspace while learning gravity, potential energy, and kinetic energy.

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  • No supplies needed
  • No downloads or installs
  • Ready-to-run lessons
3D render of a roller coaster track and cart in Qweebi's online Makerspace

Works on Chromebooks, Windows, and Mac

Project Snapshot

  • Grade Level

    Grades 3–8

  • Duration

    2 hrs

  • Teacher Prep

    Under 30 minutes

  • Career Connection

    Mechanical Engineer

  • Core Concepts

    Gravity, Potential Energy, Kinetic Energy

  • Standards

    NGSS: 4-PS3, MS-PS3, 3-5-ETS and more

How This Project Works in Class

In 2 hours, students go from watching real roller coasters in action to investigating the science behind them, then building and sharing their own coaster.

  1. 1

    Intro to Roller Coasters

    The Hook · 15 min

    Students watch a video of the world's tallest roller coaster, meet a mechanical engineer who designs them, and preview the final design challenge.

  2. 2

    Learn the Science

    Science Bootcamp · 45 min

    Students investigate how roller coasters move without engines, climb hills, and stay on track while learning gravity, potential energy, and kinetic energy.

    Screenshot of a Qweebi investigation showing gravity, potential energy, and kinetic energy on a roller coaster track
  3. 3

    Design Your Roller Coaster

    Final EDP Challenge · 45 min

    Students use the Engineering Design Process to plan, build, test, and improve their roller coaster in Qweebi.

    Screenshot of the roller coaster builder interface in Qweebi's online Makerspace
  4. 4

    Record a Show-and-Tell Video

    Reflection · 15 min

    Students record and submit a short video showing their coaster in action, describing their design challenges, and sharing what they learned.

    Screenshot of a student recording a show-and-tell video of their roller coaster design in Qweebi

What Teacher Resources Are Included

Everything you need to prep, launch, and run the Roller Coaster project with confidence.

  • Teacher Slides

    Ready-to-present Google Slides with built-in speaker notes.

  • Student Journals

    Google Docs journals where students record observations, explanations, and reflections.

  • Built-In Qweebi Challenges

    Interactive challenges build science intuition and prepare students for the final design challenge.

  • Step-by-Step Teacher Guide

    A clear guide walks you through how to launch and run your Qweebi project.

What Other Teachers Are Saying

See how 500+ teachers bring the Roller Coaster project to their classrooms.

  • Every ability level

    “This project gave every ability level the same playing field: something you figure out by trying, failing, and trying again — not by reading fastest.”
    Photo of Ann Hajost, STEM and technology resource teacher in Green Cove Springs, Florida

    Ann Hajost

    K–6 STEM Teacher

    Green Cove Springs, Florida

    Read the full storyfrom Ann Hajost

  • Low prep

    “My prep the first time was basically nothing: I downloaded the slides, read through them once, went “yep, yep, okay,” and assigned it.”
    Photo of Amber Davies, K–6 STEAM teacher in Hartington, Nebraska

    Amber Davies

    K–6 STEM Teacher

    Hartington, Nebraska

    Read the full storyfrom Amber Davies

  • A student found her moment

    “Watching a student who doesn’t usually get to be the expert become the one helping someone else was one of the best moments I’ve had teaching this.”
    Photo of Allison Hill, K–5 STEM teacher in Derby, Connecticut

    Allison Hill

    K–5 STEM Teacher

    Derby, Connecticut

    Read the full storyfrom Allison Hill

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I try the Roller Coaster project for free?
Yes. When you sign up for Qweebi, you can try 2 projects free, including the Roller Coaster project, with unlimited classes and students.
What grade levels is this project best for?
The Roller Coaster project is designed for grades 3–8. Younger students can focus on building and testing their coaster, while older students can go deeper into gravity, potential energy, kinetic energy, and the Engineering Design Process.
How long does the project take?
The project takes about 2 hours. Most teachers run it across two or three class periods, depending on their schedule.
Do I need any supplies or kits?
No. Students design, test, and improve their roller coasters in Qweebi's online Makerspace, so there are no physical kits, materials, storage, or cleanup.
What devices does it work on?
Qweebi works on Chromebooks, Windows, and Mac computers with a web browser and internet connection. Nothing needs to be downloaded or installed.
Do I need a STEM background to teach this project?
No. The project includes ready-to-present teacher slides, student journals, built-in Qweebi challenges, and a step-by-step teacher guide to help you run it with confidence.

Ready to Run the Roller Coaster Project With Your Students?

Try it free with your class — minimal prep, no supplies, and nothing to lose.

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