Roller Coaster

As a part of my grade 11 physics class at A.Y. Jackson Secondary School, we were asked to build a roller coaster, where the train was a glass or steel marble. There were specific guidelines regarding the objectives, constraints, and criteria of the project, which are attached in the document below. There was a competition between all the roller coasters students, which accepted entries in 3 categories: Artistic, Technical, and Creative. Our team decided to enter the artistic category and we were able to acquire 2nd place Artistic Merit and A.Y.J. Roller Coaster Fair and Honourable Mention at Canada's Wonderland WonderCoaster Fair.

The first step in this project was determining an original theme which was feasible to do and had the potential of attracting audience; this was decided upon as a Hollywood theme. Then we implemented the theme on our base board, while leaving enough space for the maneuvering off the track. In the next step we came up with a path for the track which not only allowed the marble to travel without external forces, but also enhanced the aesthetics of the design. In this process, calculations regarding the energy and acceleration of the marble were performed. Finally, the design of the track was implemented and the design was ready for showcase.

In the process of designing and implementing the track, we were confronted with multiple problems as a consequence of lack of planning. Having implemented the Hollywood theme on the board without carefully considering the weight and path of the track, we were left with a rather narrow solution space regarding the implementation of the track. We did not have enough space for maneuvering, and our track tubes were not bendable enough. Moreover, the standing components of the Hollywood theme were unable to hold the weight of the track. As a result, we had to use additional poles to support the track and our track was not as lengthy as we desired it to be.

This project was a very valuable experience in teaching me and my group that without enough planning and considering the major components of the design before implementing it, the outcomes will not be as desired. This is a lesson that I have tried to make use of in all my projects from then on.