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Introduction

     
You are in the car and you have fastened your seat belt.  The bar has been lowered and secured.  The car begins to move slowly up the hill, crawling to the top.  As the car crosses over the peak of the hill, it begins a rapid descent.  You are screaming, your hands are in the air, your stomach flip-flopping as you go around a curve and through the loop.  The car climbs another hill.  This time as it descends there is a double-dip and you feel like you are flying...right out of your seat.  But you don't, you cruise into the station, you are safe. 

Your local amusement park, Jennywood, is planning to purchase a new roller coaster.  You work for a company that designs roller coasters.  Your team is competing with other teams for the job.  Your task is to design a roller coaster that is fast, fun and safe.  You also need to estimate the cost of the coaster and develop a plan to pay for the roller coaster.  Then you get to present your coaster to the owners of Jennywood.  They will decide who gets the task of building the coaster.  

Your first step in this quest for building the best roller coaster, is to brainstorm with your group and determine what you already know about roller coasters. 

The next step is to consider what you want or need to learn about roller coasters? 

You can use this KWL chart to help you organize your thoughts.  After your group completes the K and W parts of the chart you will share your information and questions with Miss Au.  She may suggest other questions for you to consider.