Speed & Distance-Time Graphs
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
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“If your 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?”
Full guide and materials
- Activity. 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
What to notice. 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
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If your 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?
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
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Check understanding
- 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
“If your 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 record
- Type
- Conceptual
- Subject
- Science
- Domain
- Forces & Motion
- Age range
- Ages 11–12
Standards