Theme Park Science with Jell-O® Loop-De-Loops

Introduction

Have you ever wondered what keeps you in your seat when you are riding a giant loop-de-loop roller coaster? Surprisingly, it is not the seat belt! You are kept in your seat because of something called centripetal force. Centripetal force actually does much more than make a ride on a roller coaster's loop possible — it keeps a satellite in orbit and you in your bicycle when taking a tight curve! In this science activity, you will use marbles and Jell-O® to investigate centripetal force and circular motion. Which way will the marbles go?

Credits

Materials

• Transparent plastic cups (at least 4)
• Scissors or one-hole puncher
• Flashlight
• Duct tape or electrical tape
• Marbles (at least 3)
• String, 10 inch piece
• Jell-O (2 packages, each a different color)
• Cooking pot
• Measuring cup
• Stove
• Refrigerator
• An open area outside