Some Roller Coasters Do Not Use Potential Energy as Initial Energy. How Do the Roller Coasters That Shoot Out at High Speeds Work?
2:33
Grades: 6 - 12
Video Description: Jeff Havlik, a roller coaster architect, explains how electromagnetically powered roller coasters work.
Type of Video: Segment*
Unique Video ID: Engineering-27**
Quick Ideas for Using the Video:
- Use the video in conjunction with a STEM activity where students design their own roller coaster to help them determine how they plan to create energy for their roller coaster.
- Use the video to help students understand how electromagnets work and how that power source can be used for a roller coaster.
- After viewing the video, ask students about their understanding of “induction motors” and how they can be used to power a roller coaster.
*Segment videos are short excerpts edited from interviews or interactive programs that offer flexible and differentiated ways to use the rich content included in the full-length conversation.
**The unique Video ID can be used to quickly locate a single video in the ET collection. This search function is designed to let teachers assign students to watch a specific video and have only that video appear as a search result. Just click on Search and choose “By Video ID.” Then type in the Video ID as it appears above. Be sure to include the dash.
