Roller coaster web quest
Learn About the history of roller coasters (and more)
History
The Dawn of Roller Coasters
Timeline
1817 the French have built two roller coasters total so far.
1872 The hauto tunnel is built in pennsylvania, making it easier to transport coal from the mine down the mountain.
1878 Richard knudson is the first to patent something like a roller coaster, an inclined railway.
1884 Thompson switchback railway opens in Coney Island.
1885 Philip Hinkle develops the concept of the lift hill to begin a roller coaster, pulling the coaster up a hill with a cable, allowing for larger designs.
1887 Thompson and Hinkle develop the first scenic railway together in Atlantic city.
1902 leep the dips is built by E. joy Morris.
1920's Roller coasters are revolutionized, and the popularity grows
1929 The great depression begins, leaving most people without the extra money to spend on riding roller coasters.
1930 The amount of roller coasters in the U.S. is 1800 to 2000.
1935 The amount of roller coasters goes down to 305, because most roller coasters are torn down for their steel for the war, and nobody can afford to ride a roller coaster because of the great depression.
1959 Pleasure island is opened, costing 4 million dollars to build, and covering 80 acres.
1960 John Allen builds his first major roller coaster, the skyliner.
1961 Six Flags over Texas is built near Dallas, starting the renowned "six flags" chain in the USA.
1963 John Allen creates the "Starliner" at miracle strip park in Florida.
1966 John Allen creates the "Swamp Fox" at Grand Strand in South Carolina.
1985 leep the dips is closed due to growing maintenance and repair costs.
1991 leep the dips is added to the national registrar of historic places.
1996 leep the dips is approved as a national landmark.
Evan, Ryan, and Carlos
potential and kinetic energy
potential energy: Stored energy waiting to be used
kinetic energy: Energy in use, or in motion.
passenger comfort on a regular curve and a banked curve:
on a regular curve the side of the train is pushing the passenger sideways, making the passenger uncomfortable, but on a banked curve the seat of the train pushes the passenger sideways, making it more comfortable.
Do you need a shoulder harness on a looped roller coaster?
No, the centrifical force pushes you into your seat, meaning you wont fall out.