A rollercoaster STEM activity involving virtual reality

Abstract

This study presents a rollercoaster activity including virtual reality and following the six-steps engineering design process. In the study, a real-life problem involving a rollercoaster accident was given to 12 pre-service science teachers first. The participants were then asked to imagine, plan, create, and test a rollercoaster without an impulsion or braking system that could prevent this kind of accident. The pre-service teachers worked in groups to design their rollercoaster in three 50-minute sessions. After designing their rollercoasters, the pre-service teachers were shown a rollercoaster video with VR glasses so that they could test their designs by noticing the faulty parts. After they improved their designs, each rollercoaster was evaluated by the researchers using the rubric. The activity is critical in providing pre-service science teachers with an example of integrating the STEM approach into their lessons and incorporating virtual reality in STEM education. The activity also can help students become entrepreneurial thinkers and understand how science is connected to other disciplines such as technology, mathematics, or engineering. The activity can also help students develop 21st-century skills such as collaboration, critical thinking, creativity, problem-solving, and analytical thinking.