1. Chapter 8: Data Analysis
Roller Coaster Thrills
INTRODUCTION
Roller coasters have been thrilling daredevils for ages. There are people who travel the world
just to experience the thrill of a new roller coaster. But which one is the best?
THE TASK
You are a writer from Thrill Seeker Digest. You will decide which roller coaster is the best,
based on your research.
THE PROCESS
Use the web to research roller coasters, such as the Mindbender in Galaxyland, Edmonton, the
ancient wooden Coaster in Playland, Vancouver, Montu, Superman, Scream, Raging Bull , Mr.
Freeze … and there are many more. Choose your finalists.
Record statistics such as the greatest drop (the distance from the top of a descent to the
bottom), length, and maximum speed of each of your finalists in the Roller Coaster Statistics
Worksheet . Make sure all of your data are in metric units -- use metres for height and length,
and kilometres per hour (km/h) for maximum speed. You can find metric data for roller coasters
on Wikipedia.
Graph your data so you can choose the winner.
Justify your choice of graph.
Explain your choice as best roller coaster, referring to your graphs.