Magic Mountain Coaster Computation

SCORE Mathematics

Standards Connections

Magic Mountain Coaster Computation

Introduction: You are going to Magic Mountain!!! Everyone has a favorite roller coaster. Some are fast,or loopy, or crazy. You will discover the highest, and fastest coaster in Magic Mountain.

Prior Knowledge: You need to know how to compute the average speed rate = distance/time. You need to convert feet/minute to miles/hour.

Grade Level: 4-7

Task: You will record data from the Internet. You will compute average speed and convert to m/h. You will summarize data.

Resources: Six Flags Magic Mountain data display worksheet (html) / (pdf)

Process: Gather information from the Internet. Record data. Compute average speed (r=d/t). Convert from feet/minute to hours/hour. Record other interesting facts.

Learning Advice: Display data on summary table. Check computations on calculator.

Evaluation:
4- Data is complete. Computations are accurate.
3- Data is complete. Computations are reasonable.
2- Data is partial. Correct formulas are used.
1- Data is incomplete.

Extensions: Take a trip to Magic Mountain. Time acceleration speed. Design and build a coaster with Hot-Wheel tracks. Same activity can be used with other amusement parks.

Conclusion: You discovered the fastest roller coaster. What are your criteria for deciding on the "best" roller coaster?

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California Mathematics Academic Standards:

Grade 4:
Mathematical Reasoning
2.0 Students use strategies, skills, and concepts in finding solutions.
2.4 express the solution clearly and logically by using the appropriate mathematical notation and terms and clear language; support solutions with evidence in both verbal and symbolic work

Grade 5:
Mathematical Reasoning
2.0 Students use strategies, skills and concepts in finding solutions.

2.3 use a variety of methods, such as words, numbers, symbols, charts, graphs, tables, diagrams, and models, to explain mathematical reasoning

Grade 6:
Mathematical Reasoning
2.0 Students use strategies, skills and concepts in finding solutions

2.4 use a variety of methods, such as words, numbers, symbols, charts, graphs, tables, diagrams, and models, to explain mathematical reasoning

Grade 7:
Measurement and Geometry
1.0 Students choose appropriate units of measure and use ratios to convert within and between measurement systems to solve problems.

1.1 compare weights, capacities, geometric measures, times, and temperatures within and between measurement systems (e.g., miles per hour and feet per second, cubic inches to cubic centimeters)

Mathematical Reasoning
2.0 Students use strategies, skills, and concepts in finding solutions

2.5 use a variety of methods, such as words, numbers, symbols, charts, graphs, tables, diagrams, and models, to explain mathematical reasoning

NCTM 5-8:

STANDARD 1: MATHEMATICS AS PROBLEM SOLVING
STANDARD 2: MATHEMATICS AS COMMUNICATION
STANDARD 3: MATHEMATICS AS REASONING
STANDARD 4: MATHEMATICAL CONNECTIONS
STANDARD 5: NUMBER AND NUMBER RELATIONSHIPS
STANDARD 7: COMPUTATION AND ESTIMATION
STANDARD 9: ALGEBRA