A WebQuest for 7 & 8th GradesDesigned By
John Moore Jr.Introduction | Task | Process | Evaluation | Conclusion | Credits
You have been selected as a member of an elite group of Fairbanks students that will rate the top 10 roller coasters in Ohio.You will be taking a round trip tour of Ohio's three major theme parks to accomplish your task. Good luck and have fun!
The Task
Your group will need to become familiar with terms as they relate to roller coasters and their development. Safety and "scream" ratings are the two most important things you will be evaluating.The group will need to develop a rating scale as to how each roller coasters' ride rates. Your group will also have to keep track your expenses and travel mileage, since you will be reinbursed for mileage and park admission. Ultimately, you will be publishing either a pamplet to be distributed or a Power Point presentation to be up loaded to the school's web site based on your findings.Decide what elements of a coasters' ride are important. Survey a representative sample of students on essential roller coaster ride elements. Decide if a roller coasters' ride can be dangerous. What are "g forces" Produce a Power Point presentation or a pamphet to be either up-loaded to the schools' web site or distributed at school. Members will be responsible for their travel budget and mileage. 
The ProcessTo accomplish your tasks:
As members on the team you will access the on-line resources that have been identified to help you. Within these web sites you will find information you'll need to answer the questions and understand the terms and concepts.
- You will need to learn the history of roller coasters
- How they have developed into the scream machines of today.
- What steps do manufacturers go through in designing new coasters.
- You need to become familiar with terms used.
- You will need to know what a "g-force" is and
- What it part plays in the designs of todays' coasters.
- How many "g-forces" are safe for most people.
- Can coasters be too dangerous.
- Your group will need to develop a survey to be filled out by the students on what elements of a roller cosasters' ride are important.
- As part of being chosen for this team you will be reinbursed for your travel and park tickets so you will need to keep good records as you travel from park to park.
- Here are some links to help your group learn about the history and evolution of roller coasters:
- Hotlink: John1/12hlth11.htm
- Hotlink: John1/new_rollercoaster.shtml
- Hotlink: John1/deseret.html
- Hotlink: John1/rcinet.html
- Hotlink: John1/roller.htm
- Hotlink: John1/Roller_Coasters.html
- Hotlink: John1/RollerCoaster000509.html
- Hotlink: John1/rollercoaster1.html
- Hotlink: John1/rollercoasters.html
- Hotlink: John1/rollercoasters0512_01.html
- Hotlink: John1/0,1120,1-2900,00.html
EvaluationDescribe to the learners how their performance will be evaluated. Specify whether there will be a common grade for group work vs. individual grades.