Ninth Graders Coast Through Physics

It’s freshman year and you’ve just entered the queue for a new ride. It promises a steep climb and then a whirlwind of thrills. Keep your arms and legs inside at all times and hang on tight, because it’s time to study physics.

“The science labs in first semester of 9th grade are centered around roller coasters,” explained Justin Little, Upper School Science Teacher. “We’re studying motion, forces, momentum, and energy.” Throughout the semester, students will build small parts of a roller coaster using plastic tubing for the track and a small steel ball bearing as the car. This is great practice for second semester, where they amp up the thrill-seeking by tackling a big project: constructing a large roller coaster using the knowledge they gained throughout the first semester.

To prepare for this program, the Science 9 team built a model of a roller coaster themselves over the summer. Students can check it out in the Biggs Family Maker Space in the Upper School.

Maybe in a few years, we’ll all get to enjoy a roller coaster designed by an MICDS alumna/us. Go easy on us, Rams!