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Description

Scouts will learn what STEM is, how roller coasters work through science and engineering, and design their own paper roller coaster that can carry a marble from start to finish.

Resources

Projector
Printed copies of Roller Coaster STEM Challenge worksheet (from uploaded PDF)
Paper or cardstock strips (pre-cut if possible)
Tape or glue
Scissors
Marbles
Plastic cups (to catch the marble)
Rulers and pencils
Markers for decorating

Instructions

What is STEM? (~10 min)
Ask scouts: “What do you think STEM means?” and explain: STEM = Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math.
Watch this short video; What is STEM? (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F4Ya-etTbV0) What is STEM? | All About STEM for Kids | Twinkl USA
After watching, discuss: Which STEM subject are you most excited about? How do engineers use STEM to make roller coasters?

How Do Roller Coasters Work? (~10 min)
Science & Engineering Exploration
Introduce basic on a roller coaster or go straight ahead to watching the video (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tJtNuUBlFJA) How do rollercoasters work? Educational video for kids at home | LEGO Stop motion learning video
Discuss the video

Build Your Own Paper Roller Coaster! (~40–60 min)
Once the group has been split into teams, hand out; The Roller Coaster STEM Challenge worksheet (from the provided PDF) and the materials for building
Explain the design challenge
Your coaster must; support the marble’s weight, keep it moving the whole way, drop the marble into a cup at the end
You may need to; encourage scouts to sketch their design first on the worksheet before building, build and test as they go along, if they can add creative elements (loops, drops, tunnels, etc.)

Demonstrating and reflecting (~10–15 min)
Test all the rollercoasters together to see which teams held the best.
Have scouts complete the second worksheet page; discuss how it went, what they would do to make it better
Tidy up

How to make it a bit harder for scout’s section:
• Measure how long it takes the marble to finish and calculate speed
• Challenge groups to redesign for maximum airtime or longest run

Tags

• cubs
• design thinking
• engineering
• Physics
• Problem solving
• Science
• scouts
• STEM
• team
• Team challenge

Badge Links

• Scientist - Other
• Skills - Problem solving
• Teamwork - Team-building