A rollercoaster of a time

Y4 were ready to ride on Tuesday, as they set off to learn all about the physics of rollercoasters.

Our hands-on workshop enables us to learn about the forces for fun on the rides at Paulton’s Park. Friction wheels, balanced vs unbalanced, rotation, g-force, gravity and free fall all combine for maximum thrills. Pupils applied the theory to model coasters, finding the best place to convert enough potential to kinetic energy to allow a carriage to loop-the-loop. With this knowledge, pupils toured the park to experience and identify the unbalanced forces and components of rides. Even the most timid tried the fiercest forces across the park! Pupils returned ready to apply their learning when constructing rides in school over the next few weeks.

Click here to watch a video of Year 4’s adventures.