🔬 Science · Forces & Motion

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

Typical age: 11–12 years

“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?”

0 / 4 mastered

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Needs first

Compound Units
Calculating speed as distance ÷ time applies compound-unit thinking from Math
Reading Distance-Time GraphsREQUIRED
Calculating speed and representing journeys on distance-time graphs requires being able to plot and read these graphs

Unlocks next

Relative MotionREQUIRED
Relative motion requires first being able to calculate and describe speed — without that foundation, comparing speeds of different observers is abstract