Introduction
Measuring Speed
How fast is fast? How slow is slow? Who's to say slow isn't fast and fast isn't slow? How do we find out the speed of an object? The driver of a car knows how fast the car is moving because of the speedometer, but how can I figure how fast I am traveling if I am running or riding a bike?
Task
Speed is a component to measure the motion of an object. You and your partner will be measuring in time how long it takes to travel in various motions across the length of 10 meters. Tracking the data on a chart and finding the time per meter. Partners will discuss thier predictions on which motion will have the fastest and slowest speed.
Process
Divide the class into partners of two.
Measure out a distance of 10 meters, can be adjusted due to room restrictions.
Both students are at opposite side of the 10 meter, one doing the motion and the other is clocking with the stopwatch.
The teacher counts down from 3, 3-2-1-go! The students with the stopwatch start the time and the students doing the motion will start, all at the same time.
Students will go across the 10 meters in each of the different motions and then the partners will swtich postions. So every student has a chance to complete the motions and be the timer.
Each motion is done three times to show consistency in their data. Then find the average speed.
When the average speed is configured, students will need to find the speed for each motion.
Write the formula for speed on the board. (Calculators can be used if needed) Speed=distance/time
The answer will be in meter per second, unlike a car it is measured in miles per hour.
Evaluation
| Motion | Distance | Time | Speed |
| walk |
1. Average 2. 3. |
||
| bunny hop |
1. Average 2. 3. |
||
| skip |
1. Average 2. 3. |
running 1. Average
2.
3.
Walking Backwards 1. Average
2.
3.
Students will need to complete the chart. The distance will remain the same for all activities.
Conclusion
Answer the following questions using your data:
1. What form of motion moved at the fastest speed?
2. What form of motion moved at the slowest speed?
3. Rank in order from slowest to fastest the different forms of motion.
4. Using your data, write a conclusion that explains the fastest and slowest form of motion.
5. Can you think of a motion not listed that would be benefitial to investigate?
6. What would happen if you increased the length? Would that change the speed?