Measuring speed: practical
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can accurately measure the average speed of a trolley moving down a ramp.
Key learning points
- A ramp will produce a force that allows a dynamics trolley to roll down it.
- The average speed of the trolley can be found from distance and time measurements.
- Counting down ‘3, 2, 1, go’ helps start a stopwatch at the right moment.
- Observing with eyes in line with the finish line helps stop a stopwatch at the right moment.
Keywords
Dynamics trolley - A small wheeled object used to investigate movement.
Gradient - The steepness of a slope, the larger the gradient the steeper a slope is.
Timer - A device used to precisely measure time, usually to 0.1 s or 0.01 s.
Metre rule - A simple length measuring instrument.
Average speed - The overall distance travelled divided by the overall time for a journey.
Common misconception
Pupils may think that the constant force on the trolley will cause it to move at a constant speed.
Demonstrate that the trolly speeds up as it rolls, by finding speed near the start and near the end of the ramp.
Teacher tip
Pupils are finding average speed in this lesson and timing accurately is important. Encourage pupils to do 'practice runs' to help them reduce their timing errors, and demonstrate how to position their heads to see the finish lines.
Equipment
See additional materials.
Content guidance
Risk assessment required - equipment
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Two balls roll the same distance; ball A takes 4 s and ball B takes 3 s. Which statements are correct?
Q2.Which of these are units for speed?
Q3.Which pieces of information are needed to find the average speed of a toy car rolling across a desk?
Q4.Five swimmers complete a 200 m race. Their finish times are shown. Starting with the fastest, put the racers in order of average speed.
Q5.A bus is travelling at 2 m/s and moves for a time of 30 s. Which of these shows how to calculate the distance the bus has travelled?
Q6.A skater in a race travels a distance of 800 m in a time of 125 s. Calculate their speed.
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Match the key words to the explanations.
A wheeled object used to investigate motion.
A measure of the steepness of a slope or ramp.
A device used to measure time.
A device used to measure length.
Overall distance travelled divided by overall time taken.
Q2.Which feature of a dynamics trolly allows it to roll without slowing down much?
Q3.Which of these measures should be taken to accurately measure the time it takes for a dynamics trolley to roll between two points on a ramp?
Q4.A dynamics trolley is rolled a distance of 1.5 m, taking 3.0 s to cover the distance. What is the average speed of the trolley?
Q5.A dynamics trolley is released on ramps with different gradients and is found to have a greater average speed on the steepest ramp. Which of these statements help explain the results?
Q6.A student times a trolley rolling 1.00 m down a ramp three times. The times were 3.24 s, 3.44 s and 3.36 s. Calculate the average speed of the trolley.
To help you plan your 8 science lesson on: Measuring speed: practical, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 8 science lesson on: Measuring speed: practical, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 3 science lessons from the Moving by force unit, dive into the full secondary science curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.