This NGSS-aligned resource is a high-engagement, fourth-grade physical science investigation that helps students understand potential energy, kinetic energy, and the transfer of energy through an exciting engineering design challenge. Using simple materials like foam tubing, marbles, and high-friction surfaces, students are tasked with designing a functional roller coaster that demonstrates energy transformations and adheres to real-world engineering constraints.

This interactive project supports NGSS 4-PS3.A-D and ETS1.A, building foundational knowledge in energy conservation, force, and motion—all while encouraging creative problem-solving and collaboration.

✅ What’s Included:

• Printable student worksheets (short answer, fill-in-the-blank, drawing)
• Engineering challenge directions
• Task cards (short answer, multiple choice, and visual)
• Assessment questions with answer key
• Extension activity with video link
• Google Slides & Forms links for digital use

🧠 Skills Covered:

• Identifying potential and kinetic energy
• Modeling energy transfer
• Understanding the law of conservation of energy
• Applying friction as a stopping force
• Designing within constraints
• Constructing and testing models
• Using evidence to explain energy transformation

💡 How to Use in Your Classroom:

• Use as part of a science station rotation or STEM challenge
• Ideal for project-based learning and engineering design units
• Great for review before state testing or to reinforce NGSS 4-PS3 standards
• Use Google Slides & Forms for digital science notebooks or distance learning
• Encourage students to iterate designs, promoting real-world engineering thinking

👩‍🏫 Why Teachers Love It:

• ✔️ Easy prep with common materials
• ✔️ High engagement through hands-on building
• ✔️ Differentiated formats (worksheets, task cards, digital)
• ✔️ Tightly aligned with NGSS standards
• ✔️ Encourages collaboration, creativity, and critical thinking

⭐ Your students will love exploring how energy works through the thrill of a marble roller coaster—and you’ll love how seamlessly this resource fits into your science instruction!

This INVESTIGATE station is also available in a larger bundle of 10 stations on the Transfer of Energy and Forces.

Information about the ENTIRE Energy Science Stations bundle:

Energy Science Stations for Fourth Grade Next Generation Science Standards include 10 different science stations where students can deepen their understanding of energy, transfer of energy, and forces. The focus is on 4-PS3.A-D & ETS1.A and includes concepts such as kinetic and potential energy, forms of energy, rollercoasters, thermal energy, heat transfer, sound energy, the Law of Conservation of Energy, electrical energy, and light energy.

TERMS OF USE

Copyright © What I Have Learned, Jessica Boschen

Permission to copy for single classroom or homeschool family use only.

This product may not be distributed or displayed digitally for public view.

Please purchase additional licenses if you intend to share this product.