How Do Roller Coasters Use Energy?

From carrying out life functions to the ability to do work, energy is all around us! There are two categories that energy can fall under, potential and kinetic. When something is in motion it has kinetic energy. When energy is being stored it is referred to as potential energy; it has the potential for motion! As energy cannot be created or destroyed, energy is simply transferred from one type of energy (potential) to another (kinetic). Scientists and engineers have observed these types of energy for a long time in order to create and use technologies to store energy (potential) and use energy (kinetic). For example, scientists and engineers make good use of potential and kinetic energy to design and construct safe, fun, roller coaster rides! In this roller coaster investigation students will create, test and analyze how humans use the technology of roller coasters to store and use energy.