Bring polynomial functions to life with this interactive Roller Coaster Project! Students work collaboratively in groups to design, build, and analyze a roller coaster using foam pipes and marbles. This project combines hands-on STEM creativity with algebraic reasoning, as students connect their physical roller coaster models to the mathematical properties of polynomial graphs.

✨ What’s Included:

• Clear project directions and materials list (foam pipes, tape, marbles).
  
• Requirements for roller coaster design:
  • Must touch the ground at least once (roots/zeros).
    
  • Must include at least one loop or hill (concavity/turning points).
    
  • Marble must travel fully through the track.

• Student tasks:
  • Draw an accurate graph of the roller coaster on a coordinate plane.
    
  • Label and list key features: concavities, vertex, roots, domain, and range.

• Built-in rubric with points for design, graphing accuracy, and analysis.
  
• Extra credit option: complete an IXL extension assignment on writing polynomials from roots.
  

💡 Why You’ll Love It:

• Perfect culminating project for polynomial functions.
  
• Reinforces both procedural skills and conceptual understanding.
  
• Encourages collaboration, problem solving, and creativity.
  
• Adds a fun, real-world context that engages students.