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[School Festival] Let's build a roller coaster!
When it comes to popular attractions at school festivals, roller coasters are a top pick!
You might wonder, “Can amateurs really build a roller coaster?” Surprisingly, quite a few students make their own.
In this article, we’ll introduce ideas for roller coasters you can build yourselves.
The common approach is to set up desks and chairs as the base, create a wooden track, and let a cart with casters glide along it.
Some even make motorcycle-style versions or use CG visuals to simulate a roller coaster.
Keep safety in mind and create an attraction everyone can enjoy together!
[School Festival] Let's Build a Roller Coaster! (1–10)
A roller coaster with sharp curves
When it comes to what makes roller coasters scary, I think it’s that moment when you suddenly drop from a great height, but it’s a bit hard to recreate that in a classroom.
So how about making good use of the four corners of the room to create a sharp-curving course instead? The centrifugal force will kick in and it’ll feel even more thrilling than it looks! To make sure it handles the turns well, it’s important to build up speed when you launch it, but be sure to keep safety in mind and have fun!
Authentic roller coaster “Space Travel”
If you’re going to build a roller coaster, why not aim for a full-fledged one? This time, we’re introducing an idea with the theme of “space travel.” The first important step is deciding the course.
Talk carefully with your teachers and make decisions while considering various factors: making the most of the limited classroom space, balancing fun and safety, and how much material you will use or can use.
Once the course is set, adding effects like lighting and smoke will bring it closer to a space-like atmosphere.
The work will be tough, but the memories of creating it together will surely be a lifelong treasure.
Trolley-style roller coaster
How about a minecart-style roller coaster that gives off a wild vibe? To begin with, a minecart is a type of freight car that was used for industrial purposes.
They come in various looks, but for this concept, please imagine a boxy, square-shaped type.
You could lean into the rugged, utilitarian feel that’s characteristic of minecarts, or intentionally decorate it to be cute.
Another advantage of the minecart style is that its structure is simple and relatively easy to build.
A roller coaster running through the darkness
As an idea for effectively staging the space, I’d like to introduce a roller coaster that runs in the dark.
As the name suggests, it runs literally in darkness, which makes it harder to feel like you’re in a classroom and can make the space feel larger.
Another key point is that losing sight increases the sense of fear.
You could also take advantage of the darkness to give it a haunted-house vibe or decorate it beautifully with lighting and fluorescent paint—those kinds of variations would be fun, too.
Ways to make it dark include building tunnels or darkening the room itself.
motorbike-style roller coaster
One slightly unusual idea is a motorcycle-style roller coaster.
Most traditional roller coasters have you sit inside a box-shaped vehicle, right? But this one features vehicles you straddle like a motorcycle.
Make the most of that look and give it a cute, charming design.
For the structure, the rail and the bike are interlocked with matching ridges and grooves, so there’s virtually no risk of tipping over.
And don’t forget to include cushions in the seat area.
Splash Mountain
https://www.tiktok.com/@haleiwa_39/video/7417787976383597831With a bit of ingenuity, even a school staircase can instantly transform into a thrilling attraction! This time, we’re introducing an idea using a blue tarp and an inflatable boat: “Splash Mountain.” Place boards at the bottom of the stairs to create a slope.
Build and secure walls along both sides so the boat doesn’t veer off the course.
Lay down the blue tarp and run water over it to make it more slippery.
Once the inflatable boat is pumped up, you’re ready to go.
When you’re mentally prepared, hop in the boat and slide down the staircase’s rapids.
Spray will fly, and a brief moment of fear will quickly turn into exhilaration.
Don’t forget to do a test run to make sure everything is safe.
A roller coaster approximately 50 meters in total length.
When comparing roller coasters, one key metric is their length.
The longer they are, the more variety you can build into the movements, and riders can enjoy changing scenery and speed.
With that in mind, here’s an idea: build a roller coaster approximately 50 meters in total length.
You’ll need a very large space, such as a gymnasium, but even the appearance alone can make a strong impact.
If you decide to build it, include features that keep it engaging—like sections where the direction reverses halfway through.