Grade 10 students took on a thrilling engineering challenge – designing roller coaster prototypes for their Science Performance Task (PT). This hands-on activity not only unleashed their creativity but also put their math and physics skills to the test, exploring concepts like energy, acceleration, power, and efficiency. Each member of a group took on specific roles: engineers, architects, and safety inspectors. They honed their designs to incorporate exhilarating features: 2 hills, 1 loop, 1 corkscrew, and 1 funnel, making it a dynamic learning experience.
The grand unveiling of their roller coasters took place during PT week wherein students, teachers and judges eagerly witnessed the presentations, followed by a dynamic Q&A session and prototype testing.
The students found this performance task challenging yet rewarding. Beyond mastering scientific concepts, they learned essential soft skills like teamwork, perseverance, and effective communication. The Roller Coaster Engineering Challenge wasn’t just about coasters; it was about the thrill of applying knowledge and witnessing hard work come to life.