Whiteboard Activity Speed, Distance,

Time Science KS3

National Curriculum Reference: Science Key Stage 3; Physical processes Sc4 2a

Aim: To develop understanding of the equations used to calculate the speed of the different RNLI rescue
boats.

Objectives: To determine the speed of a moving object and use the quantitative relationship between
speed, distance and time.

Assessment/Success Criteria: Most pupils will find it straightforward to relate the measurement of
distance and time to the determination of speed. Others will need more practice.

Teacher Notes: Use the triangle to help pupils remember the equations.

Resources: Internet access to www.rnli.org.uk/Shorething/Adults/Downloadable_Resources/default.aspx

Worksheet: Distance - Time
Worksheet: Speed and Motion

Key Vocabulary: Distance Calculation

Speed Solution
Equation

www. rnli.org.uk/shorething
 Whiteboard Activity Speed, Distance,
Time Science KS3

Lesson Plan:
Timing Section Activity
5 mins Introduction Introduce the students to the triangle formula and explain how it works.
Distance is in the top corner, speed lower left and time lower right. Give out
the worksheet entitled triangle. Explain that to use the triangle effectively
pupils should cover the quantity they want to find and then work it out.
Explain that if we know the distance travelled and the time taken we can
calculate the speed.
Speed = distance time.
To find the Distance = speed x time
To find the Time = distance speed
Give some examples for them to work out e.g. If a boat travels 200 km in 4
hours, how fast was it travelling

10-15 mins Whole class Open the whiteboard activity.

activity Explain that in each rescue the pupils have to choose the craft which they
think will reach the emergency first. Please point out that these times are
hypothetical to make the exercise more interesting. They will need to use a
calculator and work out all three times before making their decision.
If using stand alone computers you may wish the pupils to work in small
groups.
Continue to work through the exercise until you feel confident that pupils are
showing understanding.

10 mins Individual work Give out copies of the worksheet Speed and Motion. Explain that they
will need to use the formula to work out each answer.

15 mins Group or paired Give out a copy of the worksheet entitled Distance - Time and discuss
work the journey. What do we know about how the bus travelled? At what points
activity was it stationary? At which points did it move at its fastest?
After discussing the sheet, ask pupils to work with a partner to develop their
own distance time graphs with relevant questions. Once complete exchange
graphs with another pair and work them out.

10 mins Plenary Assess how pupils choose the correct calculation by looking at different
problems e.g. If you walk at a steady pace of 2 metres per second for 30
minutes (30 x 60 = 1800 seconds), calculate the distance.
Is the answer?
3600 metres 3800 metres 3400 metres

www. rnli.org.uk/shorething
 Whiteboard Activity Speed, Distance,
Time Science KS3

Speed and Motion Worksheet

Use the triangle to help you remember the equations.

Cover the quantity you want to find and the triangle will show you how to work it out.

d
sxt
1. A car is travelling at 70 mph. It travels for half an hour. How far has it gone?

2. A car took 20 minutes to travel ten miles. What was its average speed?

3. How long would it take a car to travel 20 miles if its average speed is 60 mph?

4. If a car is travelling at 50 mph how long would it take for the car to travel 12.5 miles?

5. A car travels at 45 mph for 4 hours. How far has it travelled?

6. If a car travels at 15 mph for 20 minutes, how far has it travelled?

7. A motor bike was travelling in heavy traffic at an average speed of 24 mph. How far had it travelled after
10 minutes?

8. A car took 9 minutes to travel 3 miles. How fast was it travelling?

9. Town A is 10 miles away.

Town B is 15 miles away.
Town C is 20 miles away.
If a car travels at an average of 35 mph, which town or towns could the car visit in 2 hours?

10. How long would it take a car to travel 24 miles if it was averaging 45 mph?
Speed and Motion Worksheet Answers

Use the triangle to help you remember the equations.

Cover the quantity you want to find and the triangle will show you how to work it out.
www. rnli.org.uk/shorething
 Whiteboard Activity Speed, Distance,
Time Science KS3

1. A car is travelling at 70 mph. It travels for half an hour. How far has it gone?
35 miles

2. A car took 20 minutes to travel ten miles. What was its average speed?
30 mph

3. How long would it take a car to travel 20 miles if its average speed is 60 mph?
20 minutes

4. If a car is travelling at 50 mph how long would it take for the car to travel 12.5 miles?
15 minutes

5. A car travels at 45 mph for 4 hours. How far has it travelled?

180 miles

6. If a car travels at 15 mph for 20 minutes, how far has it travelled?

5 miles

7. A motor bike was travelling in heavy traffic at an average speed of 24 mph. How far had it travelled after
10 minutes?
4 miles

8. A car took 9 minutes to travel 3 miles. How fast was it travelling?

20 mph

9. Town A is 10 miles away.

Town B is 15 miles away.
Town C is 20 miles away.
If a car travels at an average of 35 mph, which town or towns could the car visit in 2 hours?
Towns A & B & C

10. How long would it take a car to travel 24 miles if it was averaging 45 mph?
32 mins

www. rnli.org.uk/shorething
 Whiteboard Activity Speed, Distance,
Time Science KS3

Distance Time Graph Worksheet

Look at the graph and answer the questions.

1. Between which points is the car stationary?

2. Between which points does the car travel fastest?
3. How long does the car stop for in total?
4. How long does it take the car to reach point E?

165
G
150
E F
135

120

105

90
D
Distance

75

60
B C
45

30

15

A0 20 40 60 80 100 120 140 160

Time in minutes
180 200 220 240 260 280 300

www. rnli.org.uk/shorething