SUBMITTED BY BRIDEPORT MIDDLE SCHOOL COUNSELOR LAUREN MERRILL:

 

The 7^th and 8^th graders at Bridgeport Middle School have been a busy group of engineers these past few weeks. The S.T.E.A.M. classes worked in small groups designing and building roller coasters made of only cardstock and tape.

 

Each group was given a small “budget” to buy building supplies and templates to make the structures and tracks for their coasters. Applying the engineering design process, the students had to design, build, experiment and re-design throughout the construction process. Students also learned the principles of motion and acceleration, as well as calculating speeds for different areas of the ride. The criteria for the project were to have a single marble clear the entire length of the track. Each roller coaster had to consist of columns, beams, diagonal supports, wide and sharp turns, straight tracks, loops, zig zags and funnels.

 

The project allowed students to experiment real-life situations such as budgeting, planning, deadlines, troubleshooting and most importantly, collaborating with their peers. Awards were given to each class for longest track, fastest speed, and best original design.