Coaster Physics

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Cost:  $1.99

UDL app 7.2 Provide options for recruiting interest by optimizing relevance, value, and authenticity.  I put this app in the engagement column because of the affective aspect of the videos.  Students who love roller coasters can experience the visual aspect while at the same time gathering data about the physics and an explanation about how physics works in the models.  Students can even create their own roller coasters and test them "scientifically" based on force, potential energy, etc.



General Critique
Normally, videos don't usually promote physical feelings, but in this case you can feel your stomach drop as if you were actually riding the roller coaster.  I think that this increases the relevance and authenticity for learners in engineering and science.  While many physics students will build their own coasters as a class project, using this app actually allows them to experience how their roller coaster will perform.

Example

This is a screen shot from the app.  Students can get similar data on the effectiveness and design of their own roller coasters.  The data is provided in text, numerical formats and graphs.  However, it is the experience of the videos that really engages the learner in the project.