My Roller Coaster Research Paper

[coasterdude5]

Well I've worked hard on it and here it is

 

Over the last century, roller coasters have changed and developed into much better rides. In the early century, Russian ice slides were believed to be the first type of coaster. Sleds were hauled to the top of a hill then dropped down a winding, icy path. Wheeled cars developed later in the century. The wheeled cars traveled across hills and through valleys. (Bennett 9-11)

 

During the 1800’s, the Mauch Chunk Railway, a trolley like ride that maneuvered through hills, was built. Though the car only traveled at six miles per hour, it sparked new ideas for future coasters. These ideas quickly boiled over into America from European countries. Soon, coasters were popping up all across America. (Chandler 32)

 

One of the most astounding and short-lived coasters was the Flip Flap Railway. Built in 1901, this was the true first looping coaster. After speeding down a hill, this coaster did a complete vertical loop. It then completed a 180 degree turn back to the station. This fast turn gave many of its riders back pains and whiplash. It was soon modified but that only made matters worse. It was soon dismantled. (Bennett 18) Though this coaster was short lived, I believe it created numerous ideas for the future.

 

During the early 1900’s, the coaster population shot up drastically. Boardwalk coasters were popping up all along the east and west coast. The 1920’s brought in the largest wave of coasters yet. It was a phenomenon. Some coasters were being built as tall as 100 feet tall. (Chandler 33-34)

 

Though with many great things comes an end. The Great Depression of 1930 caused the end to the Golden Age coaster era. It is estimated that 3 quarters of all the existing coasters were dismantled. The other half were left temporarily closed. This saddening era stayed in effect until after the depression ended. After World War II, coasters slowly started being built again. But no one would’ve predicted the way these new scream machines were being built. (Chandler 35-36)

 

Steel coasters began to appear during the 1960’s. Wood coasters were becoming less capable and more dangerous. Coaster designers needed a more efficient type of coaster. Steel could have elements and could be built taller and faster. They would also require less maintenance.

After the

discovery of steel coasters, many new types of coasters began to appear. The first successful looping was Corkscrew. Corkscrew, built in 1975 at Knott’s Berry Farm, featured two consecutive corkscrews after the first 70 foot drop. (Bennett 53)

 

Into the 1980’s, more coasters started developing. I think this was the most productive time of the new coaster era. Different of coasters were like Big Bad Wolf, the first successful swinging suspended coaster. Built in 1989, at Busch Gardens Williamsburg, was the first successful suspended swinging coaster after the failure of the Bat. It features cars that are able to swing under the track as they speed through the fast turns. (Coker 59)

 

Throughout the 1900’s came even more coasters. One of the most predominant was the stand up coaster. One type was built by the Swiss manufacturer B&M. It was built in Great America in 1991. Though Iron Wolf has its problems, it is still operating today. [www.ultimaterollercoaster.com no page number]

 

In the late 1900’s, many coasters followed. They included launching coasters, floorless coasters, and the unique flying coaster such as Stealth. Riders are strapped in a flying position. They are then sent through elements while enjoying a flying sensation. (Coker 84-85)

 

When the new millennium came, so did a huge coaster. Millennium Force, at Cedar Point, climbs 310 feet high and sends its riders down at monstrous speeds. It was a one of a kind coaster. But the size of these thrill rides didn’t stop here. (Rutherford 155-157)

 

In 2003, Cedar Point unveiled another record breaking coaster. This ride launches riders up a 420 foot high top hat element then sends them spiraling down at 120 miles per hour. But in 2005, Intamin released a same type of coaster but bigger. I don’t think making a similar roller coaster isn’t doing much. They aren’t being very creative in doing this copy. Kingda Ka is 456 feet tall and travels at 128 miles per hour.

 

Few people know what the future of coasters is. Coasters will always be getting different. Whether it is taller or faster, in space or under water, only time will tell what is in store for coasters. But as Walt Disney said, “The parks never stop growing.”

[maeryk]

nice paper!

 

Theres a lot more detail you could go into.. including the most famous (probably) of all.. the Coney Island coaster.

 

Check your grammar in the BBW paragraph. It didn't scan right to me.

 

But good paper!

 

Maeryk

[CoasterFanatic]

I am guessing that this is just a short paper and I am not quite sure what writing level I was on at age 13.

 

Here are some comments:

 

You bring up some coaster without any background to introduce them. Example:

 

Built in 1989, at Busch Gardens Williamsburg, was the first successful suspended swinging coaster after the failure of the Bat.

 

Most people that are not in the "know" would ask .... "what is the Bat?". Also:

 

Different of coasters were like Big Bad Wolf

 

Grammer

 

Built in 1989, at Busch Gardens Williamsburg, was the first successful suspended ...

 

Change to: "Built in 1989, at Busch Gardens Williamsburg, it was the first successful suspended ..."

 

Also, BBW debuted in 1984. (http://www.themeparkbrochures.com/1984/bgw1984_3.html)

 

under water

 

One word: "underwater"

 

// Not trying to nit-pick, but want you to get the best grade possible. Keep it up.

[nannerdw]

You need to check your grammar, and be more descriptive with the ways in which the rides mentioned in your paper actually look and work. Try to write this paper as if you are trying to explain it to someone who does not know anything about roller coasters. Give some information about the manufacturers instead of just giving their names and mentioning their rides once.

 

Coasters will always be getting different.

I would try to re-word "always be getting different."

 

They included launching coasters, floorless coasters, and the unique flying coaster such as Stealth

In cases like this, most people would probably not have heard of Stealth, so the name does not need to be mentioned unless you are going to give more specific info about it.

 

I don’t think making a similar roller coaster isn’t doing much. They aren’t being very creative in doing this copy.

Also, your opinion on this matter is not really relavent to this essay. Just stick with the facts.

 

In a research paper, all parenthetical quotes, such as

. (Chandler 35-36)

should be written as (Chandler, 35-36).

 

With these corrections, your paper will be really good.

[pvcoasterguy]

-Make sure you describe everything that is not common knowledge. It is very important to do this, especially in research papers.

 

-All papers should have a thesis statment. I couldn't find one in this paper. The thesis should be in an introduction. It should also be the driving force of your paper, a roadmap for your paper.

 

-As said previously, check grammar. Make sure there is agreement, proper pronoun usage (regarding Nominative/Objective forms) and everything else that goes with a paper.

[EpcotLova]

Youre paper is good for someone in the 7th/8th grade.

 

A thesis statement would be nice, but youre in middle school. Dont worry about that until high school.

 

 

Work with your grammar and you are good to go.

[coasterdude5]

The thesis is the very first sentence.

 

I also left out a paragraph that had stuff on the Bat and Stealth by accident when I copied it.

 

My teacher said it is a was very small scale project. She didn't want us going into much details.

 

I found some typos like the Big Bad Wolf built in 1984.

 

I rearranged it and I should get a good grade. Thanks for all the help.

[CoasterFanatic]

^ Good luck man!