Reading distance-time graphs
I can read values of distance and time from graphs and use them to calculate speed.
- Year 8
Reading distance-time graphs
I can read values of distance and time from graphs and use them to calculate speed.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- The labels on a graph describe what it shows.
- The numbers on the scale of a graph go up in equal amounts.
- The value of each small division is the value of a large division divided by the number of small divisions it contains.
- Each point on a distance-time graph describes where an object is at a point in time (not its speed).
- The speed of an object can be found from distance and time information read from a distance-time graph.
Keywords
Distance-time graph - A distance-time graph is used to show how far an object has travelled over a period of time.
Axis - The horizontal axis on a distance-time graph shows the time and the vertical axis shows the distance.
Scale - Each axis has a scale which shows the variable name and the minimum and maximum values.
Division - Scales are marked with divisions so that values can be read from the distance-time graph.
Average speed - The overall distance travelled divided by overall time for a journey.
Common misconception
Pupils often interpret distance-time graphs (intuitively) as pictures.
Guide pupils step by step through interpreting d-t graphs and link each line with a motion (repeatedly).
Content guidance
- Risk assessment required - equipment
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Match the symbol for the unit with the property it is used to measure.
Q2.Which two pieces of equipment could be used to find the speed of a trolley rolling down a ramp?
Q3.Calculate the distance a bicycle travelling at 6.0 m/s will travel in 30 s.
Q4.A runner completes an 800 m race with an average speed of 6.4 m/s. How long did it take to finish the race?
Q5.A trolley is rolled a distance of 3.0 m, taking 6.0 s to cover the distance. What is the average speed of the trolley?
Q6.Starting with the fastest, put the values in order of average speed.
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Match the keyword to the description.
Q2.What distance has this object travelled after 3 s? Don’t forget to provide the unit in your answer.
Q3.Which feature of this graph shows that the object is travelling at a constant speed?
Q4.How long does it take for this object to travel 5 m? Give your answer to one decimal place. Don’t forget to provide the unit in your answer.
Q5.Use the graph to find the average speed of this object.
Q6.What distance does this object travel between 1 s and 4 s? Don’t forget to provide the unit in your answer.
