Roller Coasters
on Goodreads (13)
What’s inside...
Roller coasters offer riders high speeds and thrilling drops! The fastest roller coasters can reach speeds over 100 miles per hour! Eager students will plunge into learning about how roller coasters offer fast, sky-high thrills.
Why read this book
- Exciting exploration of roller coaster mechanics and designs.
- Encourages curiosity about physics and engineering principles.
- Vibrant illustrations captivate and engage young readers.
- Supports STEM education through interactive learning.
Age
7-11
Length
24 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think makes roller coasters exciting or scary?
How do you think engineers ensure safety while making roller coasters thrilling?
If you could design your own roller coaster, what unique features would it have?
Why do you think people have different reactions to riding roller coasters?
What have you learned about the science and technology behind roller coasters from this book?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their feelings about roller coasters, whether they find them exciting or intimidating, to understand their perspective.
Discuss the engineering and safety aspects mentioned in the book to highlight the importance of science in everyday fun activities.
Invite your child to use their imagination to design their ideal roller coaster. You could draw it out together!
Compare and contrast your own experiences with roller coasters with your child’s thoughts or expectations about them.
Revisit the book together to find interesting facts or details that you might have missed, enhancing both comprehension and retention.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Understanding Gravity
Explanation: The book 'Roller Coasters' by Rebecca Pettiford explains the concept of gravity through the mechanics of how roller coasters work.
Real-World Application: Children can observe and discuss real-life examples of gravity, such as objects falling to the ground, enhancing their understanding of basic physics principles.
Example Lesson: Overcoming Fears
Explanation: This book discusses the thrill and scariness of roller coasters, providing an avenue for children to learn about facing and overcoming their fears.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to approach new experiences with courage, helping them to face other fears in life whether it be trying new activities or meeting new people.
Example Lesson: Engineering and Design
Explanation: By showing the design and structure of roller coasters, children are introduced to basic engineering and design concepts.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to engage in building or creating simple structures from toys or crafting materials, applying engineering basics.
Example Lesson: The Importance of Safety
Explanation: The book emphasizes the safety measures and protocols involved in the operation of roller coasters.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of adhering to safety rules and regulations in various aspects of life, promoting cautious and responsible behavior.
Example Lesson: Science and Discovery
Explanation: ‘Roller Coasters’ touches on the science behind how these rides work, sparking curiosity about how other machines operate.
Real-World Application: This fuels a child's interest in science and technology, possibly guiding them towards educational paths and careers in these fields in the future.