Paper Roller Coaster Project

Before the meeting:

1. Gather supplies and set up meeting space for each Cub Scout to have room to make their project.
2. Print a copy of the Roller Coaster Blueprint for each Cub Scout.
3. Lay out supplies together on a single table so that Cub Scouts may choose the items they need. Include a set of directions.
4. Using the instructions below, build a sample roller coaster.

During the meeting:

1. Explain to Cub Scouts that they will be building a roller coaster from paper using their engineering skills. The instructions are their blueprint.
2. Ask them to gather their supplies. They should ask themselves:
   • What building materials do I need?
   • How much of each item do I need?
   • What materials can be shared?
3. To build a straight segment:
   • Cut a 3-inch-wide strip of paper.
   • Draw two parallel lines that divide it into three 1-inch-wide strips.
   • Fold up the two sides up 90 degrees along those lines to form walls.
4. To build a loop or a hill:
   • Cut a 3-inch-wide strip of paper.
   • Draw two parallel lines that divide it into three 1-inch-wide strips.
   • Make marks every 1 inch along the long edges of the paper.
   • Cut 1 inch inward from these marks to form tabs.
   • Fold the tabs up 90 degrees.
   • Bend the track into the shape you want and tape the tabs together to hold it in place. This step is
   • easier with two people, one to hold the track in places and one to do the taping.
5. To build a curve:
   • Cut a 3-inch-wide strip of paper.
   • Draw two parallel lines that divide it into three 1-inch-wide strips.
   • Make marks every 1 inch along one long edge of the paper.
   • Cut inward 2 inches from these marks.
   • Fold up the uncut side of the paper 90 degrees to form a wall.
   • Fold up the tabs on the other side to form the other wall.
   • Since the bottom portion of the tracks is cut into segments, you can bend it horizontally to form a curve. Tape the tabs together to hold the curve in place.
6. To build a support strut:
   • Cut a 2.5-inch-wide strip of paper.
   • Draw four parallel lines that divide it into five 0.5-inch strips.
   • Cut 1 inch inward along these lines from one edge.
   • Fold along the lines to form a square shape (so two of the segments overlap) and use tape to hold it in place.
   • Fold the tabs you cut at the end outward. This will allow you to tape the tabs flat to a piece of cardboard so your strut can stand upright.
7. Have Cub Scouts test out their structure using their marbles and evaluate their structure.
   • Did the project turn out as I expected?
   • What would I do differently next time?
   • What three things did I learn when I designed and built my project?
   • What am I most proud of about my project?