The first lab of the year for 8th graders was an incredible success! Students spent a week learning about potential and kinetic energy along with other various forms of energy (sound energy, thermal energy, electromagnetic energy, chemical energy, elastic potential energy, and more!) and then applied their knowledge by designing and building a functioning roller coaster. Students were placed into groups and moved outside to the back of the school where their creations began! Once students were happy with their tracks, they were given marbles to test if it would actually work. Along with designing and building these roller coasters, students were asked to answer a few lab questions regarding their designs. For example, the students drew models of their tracks once completed and then labeled their “blueprints”. These labels included information such as the types of energy present, where they are present, as well as why they are currently in effect. Overall, all of the students were able to construct working designs which were a blast to build!