8th Investigation 2 Speed
Goal:
Throughout this investigation students will learn that "Speed" is the distance traveled by an object divided by the time needed to travel that distance. Students will use the equation for calculating speed when distance and the time interval are known, they will calculate distance when speed and time are known, and finally they will calculate for time traveled when distance and speed are known.
Part One: Who Got There First?
We will begin the investigation by practicing which vehicle passed a specific point in the road first. Students will then use logic to construct the speed formula in Time Travel A and B.
Part Two: Lab
In the lab, Speeding Down Slopes, students will record the time it takes their dot car to travel 200cm at different elevations. As a class we will compile their data to construct a "Speed Graph". Students will then be taught two ways to use a speed graph and slope to calculate speed changes.
Part Three: Practice
Students will practice using the three new formulas mentioned above to solve a variety of word problems dealing with speed, distance, and change in time. Lastly students will learn how to calculate the average speed in different traveling scenarios.
