Heading 1
Heading 2
Heading 3
Heading 4
Heading 5
Heading 6
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur.
Block quote
Ordered list
- Item 1
- Item 2
- Item 3
Unordered list
- Item A
- Item B
- Item C
Bold text
Emphasis
Superscript
Subscript
About This Simulation
What does it take to make a roller coaster reach 100 km/h? Join the Labster's roller coaster engineering team and use the conservation of energy to design our most exciting ride yet!
Learning Objectives
- Define potential and kinetic energy
- Define mechanical energy and state its conservation principle
- Use the principle of the conservation of mechanical energy and its mathematical expression to predict the behavior of a body in a frictionless system
- Make changes to an isolated system to alter the total mechanical energy of a moving body, and examine how kinetic and potential energies change as the body moves through the system.
About This Simulation
Lab Techniques
- Potential energy
- Kinetic energy
- Mechanical energy
- Energy conservation
- Energy conversion
Related Standards
- HS-PS3-1
- PS3.B-H3
Learn More About This Simulation
This is the principles (high school) version of the simulation on Conservation of Energy. For a more advanced version please see: “Conservation of Energy: Improve the Labster Roller Coaster”
Stay seated and keep your arms and legs inside the vehicle! In this simulation, you will learn about energy conservation, potential energy, and kinetic energy, and use physics to improve our roller coaster track.
Design a new roller coaster
Familiarize yourself with the equations for potential and kinetic energy, and use our test track to see how they can be applied to roller coasters. Then, use those equations and the principle of energy conservation to find out how to make our roller coaster go as fast as you can.
Experiment with potential, kinetic, and mechanical energy
You will become comfortable with the components of the formulas for potential and kinetic energy and identify the variables that determine each type of energy. Then, they will calculate the energy of our roller coaster car in multiple situations, and figure out how it transforms energy from one type into another. You will have the freedom to experiment with different masses of vehicles at different heights to determine how they influence the initial potential of the system. From there, you will explore the roller coaster's mechanical and kinetic energy, and observe how these impact speed once the car is released.
This high school adaptation takes into account the mathematical proficiency of younger students, relying on simpler calculations and qualitative reasoning.
Hold on fast!
After exploring and manipulating different kinds of energy and energy conversion and conservation, you will think critically and apply their knowledge to a design and engineering problem: How can you make the ride reach 100 km/h?
Boost STEM Pass Rates
Boost Learning with Fun
75% of students show high engagement and improved grades with Labster
Discover Simulations That Match Your Syllabus
Easily bolster your learning objectives with relevant, interactive content
Place Students in the Shoes of Real Scientists
Practice a lab procedure or visualize theory through narrative-driven scenarios
Related Course
+20 other courses
Invertebrate Model System: Find the genetic cause of a disease using C. elegans
Help a group of doctors in their search for the genetic cause of a rare disease by performing a genetic screening using C. elegans as the animal model.
Gram Stain: Test yourself in Gram Stain Procedure
Familiarize yourself with details about Gram Stain procedure. Learn about reagents used during the experiment and repeat the protocol in stepwise manner, to be more than ready for real time Gram staining!
Introduction to Protein Synthesis
Explore the structure of proteins and learn about the synthesis process inside the cells.
For Science Programs Providing a Learning Advantage
North Dakota State College of Science
“They did the simulation at home, then completed the in-person lab within 30 minutes, no questions asked, and passed the quiz with flying colors.”
Lecturer in Human Physiology
University of Westminster
"I saw some of the students who clearly didn’t necessarily like sitting there reading a book discover they could turn on Labster and keep up with the rest of the class because it spoke to them.
Modesto City Schools
"Having something that's engaging for the students gives teachers that opportunity to breathe and get excited again. Because they're seeing the kids light up, they're seeing the kids engage with content."
Wenatchee Valley College
"The question always is, ‘Can we demonstrate that the students are meeting course outcomes?’ Check! We can do that.”
San José State University
"We surveyed over 400 students. More than 90% thought Labster was easy to navigate, and that it was fun, but more importantly, most of them felt confident that they could execute the labs in person. And that confidence is a big deal."
FAQs
Find answers to frequently asked questions.
Heading 1
Heading 2
Heading 3
Heading 4
Heading 5
Heading 6
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur.
Block quote
Ordered list
- Item 1
- Item 2
- Item 3
Unordered list
- Item A
- Item B
- Item C
Bold text
Emphasis
Superscript
Subscript
Labster can be integrated within a school's LMS (Learning Management System), and students can access it like any other assignment in their LMS. If your Institution does not choose an LMS integration, students will log in to Labster's Course Manager once they have an account created. Your institution will decide the access method during the sales process.
Labster is available for purchase by instructors, faculty, and administrators at education institutions. Purchasing our starter package, Labster Explorer, can be done using a credit card if you are located in the USA, Canada, or Mexico. If you are outside of North America or are choosing a higher plan, please speak with a Labster sales representative. Compare plans.
Labster simulations are created by real scientists and designed with unparalleled interactivity. Unlike point and click competitors, Labster simulations immerse students and encourage mastery through active learning.
Labster supports a wide range of courses at the high school and university level across fields in biology, chemistry and physics. Some simulations mimic lab procedures with high fidelity to train foundational skills, while others are meant to bring theory to life through interactive scenarios.