An investigation of motion
This investigation gives students an opportunity to develop an understanding of speed and introduces acceleration. By measuring distance and time, they will calculate the speeds of moving objects. Students will also learn to convert from metres per second to kilometres per hour for everyday motion such as walking, running and riding a scooter, skateboard or bicycle. An understanding of speed provides a foundation for the concept of acceleration (changing speed) and ultimately the concept that a force is needed to change the speed of an object.
Speed and acceleration
Speed refers to the time taken to travel a particular distance. Acceleration is the change in speed over time.
IMAGE: Drag racing car, Joshua Rainey, 123RF Ltd.
In this investigation, students will measure distance and time to calculate speed and acceleration.
By the end of this investigation, students should be able to:
describe ways to measure the speed of an object
use a formula to measure average speed
estimate the speed of everyday motion
calculate the speed of everyday motion
distinguish between speed and acceleration
describe acceleration.
Download the Word file (see link below).
Related investigation
Put your skills to use with the activity Measuring the acceleration of gravity (g).
