Calculating Speed and Motion
This 3-page packet guides 7th graders through an outdoor investigation to measure distance and time. Students will calculate average speed, distinguish between speed and velocity, and interpret motion using distance-time graphs, directly addressing concepts of force and motion.
“Create a lab for four students in a group to time their walking outside from three points, the tree, the fence, and the railing to learn (7) Force, motion, and energy. The student describes the cause-and-effect relationship between force and motion. The student is expected to: (A) calculate average speed using distance and time measurements from investigations; (B) distinguish between speed and velocity in linear motion in terms of distance, displacement, and direction; (C) measure, record, and interpret an object's motion using distance-time graphs”
Teacher Guide & Tips
- Use this packet as a 45-minute hands-on activity for small groups.
- Discussion question: How does the direction of motion affect velocity, even if the speed remains the same?
- Scaffold for struggling readers: Provide a pre-filled data table with some example calculations.
- Extension for advanced students: Have students research and present on real-world examples of calculating speed and velocity, such as in sports or transportation.
- Estimated time: 45 minutes.
What is Diffit?
Teachers use Diffit to get quality materials for their unique classrooms. Adjust difficulty, add scaffolds, or change the topic to get started.
Try Diffit for free“Create a lab for four students in a group to time their walking outside from three points, the tree, the fence, and the railing to learn (7) Force, motion, and energy. The student describes the cause-and-effect relationship between force and motion. The student is expected to: (A) calculate average speed using distance and time measurements from investigations; (B) distinguish between speed and velocity in linear motion in terms of distance, displacement, and direction; (C) measure, record, and interpret an object's motion using distance-time graphs”
Teacher Guide & Tips
- Use this packet as a 45-minute hands-on activity for small groups.
- Discussion question: How does the direction of motion affect velocity, even if the speed remains the same?
- Scaffold for struggling readers: Provide a pre-filled data table with some example calculations.
- Extension for advanced students: Have students research and present on real-world examples of calculating speed and velocity, such as in sports or transportation.
- Estimated time: 45 minutes.
Calculating Speed and Motion
This 3-page packet guides 7th graders through an outdoor investigation to measure distance and time. Students will calculate average speed, distinguish between speed and velocity, and interpret motion using distance-time graphs, directly addressing concepts of force and motion.
What is Diffit?
Teachers use Diffit to get quality materials for their unique classrooms. Adjust difficulty, add scaffolds, or change the topic to get started.
Try Diffit for free