Plan and Sketch a Design:
The group creates an initial design for the roller coaster. They use their previous learning with home coaster models and their online research to determine the number and kinds of design elements they want.

The engineer and architect include a rough sketch of this design in their red books.

Build a Maquette (3-D Model):
Engineers build a 3-D mini-model of the group design using pipe cleaners. They use a common scale to measure lengths of pipe cleaner: 3 inches: 100 ft.

Analyze Motion Through Track Segments:
Engineers calculate speed, distance, time, and acceleration using their maquette model. They segment the pipe cleaner track with plastic twist ties at transformation points between potential and kinetic energy. (For example, a twist tie is placed at the top of the initial hill and at the bottom of the first segment.) Then the engineer calculates the time, speed, distance, and acceleration for each segment and completes a chart in the red book. Speed is assigned arbitrarily or estimated based on students' prior exploration of roller coaster speed from Internet research activities. Distance is measured using the scale determined during construction of the model. Time and acceleration can be calculated using speed and distance.

Prepare a Technical Report:
The technical report is prepared by the engineer and requires assistance from the researcher. The report describes the track design and special features using numbers determined in the calculations for speed, distance, acceleration, and time. It describes the construction
material(s) and includes information on safety features of the car and track design. The report should also give evidence of Newton's Laws.