Physics class observes how energy works with roller coaster simulations

Senior+Kay+Brennan+and+junior+Dylan+Young+make+their+DIY+roller+coaster+in+Linda+Spangler%E2%80%99s+2B+physics+class+on+Friday%2C+Jan.+11.+

Josh Garcia

Senior Kay Brennan and junior Dylan Young make their DIY roller coaster in Linda Spangler’s 2B physics class on Friday, Jan. 11.

Linda Spangler’s 2B physics class investigated the effects of potential and kinetic energy with a lab.

The class made roller coasters with pieces of foam insulation, masking tape, and marbles. A marble was dropped from a certain height at the beginning of the roller coaster to simulate a roller coaster cart. Students learned that energy cannot be created or destroyed, as stated in the law of conservation of energy.

“I really enjoyed the lab because it was fun making our own roller coaster simulations,” said junior Dylan Young. “Even though it took a lot of trial and error, I still learned a lot.”