A short research report is an easy and interesting roller coaster project. Have students choose an existing roller coaster, such as one from their favorite theme park, and research details such as when it was developed and who developed it. Depending upon the information available, children can also discuss the experience of the roller coaster and any engineering issues that were encountered during the design and construction. Research reports can also focus on similar topics; these include the perception of roller coasters by the public and the history of amusement parks.
Divide students up into groups. Provide each group with chart paper, or a large piece of poster board, and markers. Students must create a fact sheet for a variety of roller coasters from different parts of the world, listing information such as the state, the height, top speed and drop of the roller coaster and the capacity for riders. Information is available on websites such as the Roller Coaster Database. The group can then share their fact charts with the others. Depending upon the age and abilities of the children, have them use the information gathered to make calculations such as the average height of the roller coasters.
Designing a dream roller coaster is a fun project that is simple enough for kids of all ages. Have students design this fantasy theme park ride on large sheets of paper; encourage them to consider elements of roller coasters such as twists, turns, drops and speed. Since this is a project meant for fun, it's okay if they don't take physics, such as the laws of motion, into proper account. Once all of the roller coasters have been designed, the students can take turns sharing their creations and discussing what makes them special.
A field trip to a theme park forms the basis of another easy roller coaster project. Take a group of students to a local amusement park to experience roller coasters firsthand; keep in mind that these children must be old enough to gain access to the rides. The kids will enjoy riding the roller coasters as well as observing them in motion. Remind children of the properties of physics that roller coasters employ, such as the laws of motion. Following the field trip, have students write a short reflection on their experience.