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Speed & Distance-Time Graphs

CONCEPTUAL
ScienceForces & Motion|Ages 11—12|ID: mt_q-1a86ydgU

Calculate average speed using the equation speed = distance ÷ time, represent journeys on distance-time graphs, and interpret gradient as speed and flat sections as stationary periods

Mastery Evidence

  • Uses speed = distance ÷ time to calculate average speed with correct units (m/s, km/h)
  • Draws a distance-time graph for a given journey with correct axes and labels
  • Reads a distance-time graph to determine speed, stopping points, and direction of travel
  • Identifies which section of a distance-time graph represents the fastest speed

Assessment Prompt

“If [child] tracked a cycle ride on a map and knew how far they went and how long it took, could they calculate the average speed — and then sketch a rough graph showing the journey including a stop for lunch?”

Curriculum Standards3 alignments

MS-PS2-2Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) Middle Schoolcodes only
Standard code — full text not included in this dataset.
KS3.Sci.Phys.MotionAndForces.1The national curriculum in England
Speed, Distance and Time

speed and the quantitative relationship between average speed, distance and time (speed = distance ÷ time)

Science · KS3
KS3.Sci.Phys.MotionAndForces.2The national curriculum in England
Distance-Time Graphs

the representation of a journey on a distance-time graph

Science · KS3

Prerequisites2

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