Eighth Grade Pull Out

Second Semester 2009 - 2010

I will pull the eighth grade ACE students once per week alternating between their Algebra I and Science classes. We will be studying the mathematics and science of Roller Coasters.

You've bought your ticket and boarded the roller coaster. Now you're barreling down the track at 60 miles per hour, taking hairpin turns and completing death-defying loops. Your heart is in your throat and your stomach is somewhere near your shoes. The only thing separating you from total disaster is a safety harness...but are you really in danger? The designers of the roller coaster carefully crafted this thrilling ride to be just that, but you're actually in less danger than you think. You face a greater threat of injury playing sports or riding a bike than you do on a park ride. Amusement park rides use physics laws to simulate danger, while the rides themselves are very safe.

Roller coasters are grand examples of physics principles in action. With extreme rides more popular than ever, terms like G-forces, acceleration, centrifugal force, and weightlessness have seeped into our everyday lingo. Because students enjoy attractions like coasters and freefall towers, they are motivated to explore the scientific and mathematic concepts that enable rides to deliver white-knuckle thrills in a safe environment.

Students must be passing the unit (70% or better) at the mid-term (April 15, 2010) in order to continue with the unit beyond that date. They must obtain a final grade of 70% or better to be eligible to go on the field trip to Busch Gardens at the end of the unit. The field trip will be at the end of May or the first of June.

Please come and visit us anytime. Just check with your student for meeting times. No need to call me ahead of time, just check in at the main office and tell them you want to visit the ACE class. If you have any questions, please e-mail me at reaston@nkcps.k12.va.us or call me.   Thank you for your cooperation and support.