How to Build a Working Model Roller Coaster

Create a design you̵7;ll follow to build the model roller coaster. The Leaner.org website, found in the Resource section, offers a roller coaster design program, from which you can select hills of varying sizes your roller coaster will follow. When you're finished, write down the heights and lengths this path follows, then shrink the measurements to a scale size you can make from supplies at home. Sketch the design, including its measurements, as a guide to follow as you build the model.

Lay a board or piece of cardboard on a flat surface, ensuring that it̵7;s slightly larger than the base of your roller coaster. Use a pencil to sketch the outline of the roller coaster.

Note how high the first hill of your roller coaster will be and create this base using a craft material. Balsa wood is a lightweight wood that can easily be cut to shape, while books, jars or building blocks can also be used to create this base. Glue the base of the hill in the noted location at the start of the roller coaster. Repeat this process for each hill included in the design.

Make the track for your roller coaster by laying two pieces of bendable wire from the highest hill to the second hill along the path, and connect them to the bases with glue. Ensure the wires are close enough together that they will hold the roller coaster "car," which is actually a marble, between them. Or run a piece of clear plastic tubing that the marble can pass through along the roller coaster path, and secure it in place with glue.

Test your roller coaster by placing a marble at the top of the first hill. Give it a gentle push and watch it glide down, up and over the hills. Make any adjustments as needed to ensure the marble stays on the track and completes the ride.