ALAMOSA – Valley youth ages 8 to 18, and their families, are invited to sign up for the Paper Roller Coasters Design and Construction Challenge, run by San Luis Valley 4-H. The event will be held June 26 to 28, from 5 to 7 p.m. at HobbyTown in Alamosa.

Youth will work in teams to design and build their own “paper roller coaster” marble mazes. The coasters will contain loops, turns, and other fun elements. Groups will have an opportunity to name their roller coasters and decorate them as well.

“I grew up in the shadow of Chicago’s largest amusement park, and worked there as a teen,” said event organizer Amy Henschen, 4-H youth development agent with Colorado State University Extension. “I’ve always been fascinated by roller coasters and the physics that make them work. This workshop series is a chance for kids and their families to create their own coasters, and learn those physics concepts first hand.”

Besides some basic physics, participants will learn also learn about the engineering design process and design constraints. At the end of the three-day workshop, teams will pit their roller coasters against those of other teams for fun prizes.

This event is open to the public. Kids do not need to be 4-H members to attend. The cost is $5 per person. Adults can participate with their kids. Teams must RSVP to the Extension office by Thursday, June 21 if they’d like to participate, as space and materials are limited. Visit www.tinyurl.com/slvcoaster to register. Call 719-852-7381 or e-mail [email protected] for more information.

“This should be a really fun three days for youth to build and learn,” said Henschen. “I’m excited to see what creative coasters the participants come up with.”

For more information on the 4-H program visit http://sanluisvalley.colostate.edu, contact the San Luis Valley Extension office at 719-852-7381 or [email protected], or drop in at 1899 E. Hwy 160 in Monte Vista. 4-H is a national youth development program that teaches kids life skills through partnerships with caring adults. The program is a cooperative effort between Colorado State University Extension and Alamosa, Conejos, Costilla, Mineral, Rio Grande and Saguache counties. Extension programs are available to all without discrimination.

Caption: Youth will have the opportunity to build their own roller coasters, similar to this one, during a special event June 26-28 in Alamosa. Photo courtesy of Extension Service.