Coaster construction

What can you build with pipe insulators and marbles? A roller coaster, of course.

That’s what seven children in grades 4 through 6 did Wednesday at Aspen Drive Library in Vernon Hills.

It was the first of a six-part series called Science Explorers. Kids started by watching videos about roller coaster design, then used a computer program to design their own coaster.

Pipe insulators cut in half were used as the track and a marble acted as the coaster car.

“It’s all about making science fun and accessible. They make a really cool roller coaster and at the same time learn about energy and physics,” Children’s Services Librarian Heather Beverley said.

The children learned about the difference between kinetic and potential energy and used the principals while designing their coasters.

To learn more about programs at Cook Park and Aspen Drive libraries visit www.cooklib.org.