Students in Ms. Lara’s physical science at CHS are learning how to engineer and design a successful working marble roller coaster to explore kinetic and potential energy. Using only simple supplies such as paper, cardboard, string, glue, and tape, this experiment has challenged students to be analytical while encouraging creativity. This project actively stimulates and builds critical thinking skills through both modeling and constant experimentation.
Additionally, students gain experience in emotional regulation. Every student has faced an obstacle while constructing their coaster, and it can be very frustrating when their design or concepts don’t immediately succeed. Through communication and feedback with peers and their instructor, they troubleshoot, problem solve, and rebuild their coasters until a successful run has been achieved. These are the skills needed to be successful every day in Ms. Lara’s class and to achieve the goals we set for ourselves in life!
