Motion graphs
Students should know that the motion of an object can be represented and analysed graphically. They should be able to draw and interpret both distance-time and velocity-time graphs. Some of the conceptual challenges in this topic are:
- Some students fail to grasp the distinction between velocity and acceleration – to them it’s simply ‘motion’.
- Acceleration is not simple idea: it is the rate of change of velocity, and velocity itself is the rate a change of distance. (acceleration the rate of change of a rate of change).
- It can be difficult to connect a static image (graph) with a dynamic process (motion graph).
- Drawing the graphs themselves can be a challenge with some students struggling to select correct scales and calculate areas under graphs and gradients.
- If students are not confident with the difference between speed and velocity then this can cause some confusion.
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The Universe and More (Graphing Challenge)
Perhaps the most fun physics graphing game that is available. There are many levels here but they build dup well from the initial ideas of how shape represents motion through to gradients and areas. Almost impossible not to have fun and learn at the same time. Two small cautionary notes; the game uses 'clock reading' rather than 'time' and it uses displacement vs. time graphs rather than distance vs. time graphs. Neither get in the way of the learning and physics but some initial extra explanation may be needed.
If you don't see a picture on the page when you click on the link you may need to update or switch to a different browser. It's worth it.
Graphing Stories
A great classroom resource to help students develop their graphing skills in an easy and accessible way. The site has a number of short video clips of various things that change over time (eg clock hand going round, child going down a slide, bouncing balls). There are downloadable templates but in the simplest sense you show the video and then the class sketch the graphs.
Interpreting Distance – Time Graphs A6 *suitable for home teaching*
This lesson resource requires students to think a little bit more carefully about how they interpret distance-time graphs. It is designed to reveal common misconceptions about distance–time graphs. Clear guidance is given on how to run the lesson including key questions you can use to probe students understanding. A matching exercise is used to match descriptions, graphs and tables. As they do this, they will interpret their meaning and begin to link the representations together.
Model the Motion
This power-point based lesson activity compares the velocity-time graph to the distance-time graph for a few examples of motion. It will allow your students to establish a clear understanding of both types of graph so that they will be able to use both properly. This is a really good lesson.
Gradient of a distance-time graph
Simple-to-follow lessons and videos for pupils studying for the GCSE qualification. Catch up and keep learning with short films, quizzes and practice activities that deliver key topics in the classroom or at home. This page looks at calculating average speed and acceleration, and velocity.
Gradient and area of a velocity-time graph
This revision note on velocity-time graphs has test questions too and goes on to give notes on finding the area under a velocity time graph to find the distance travelled. Use them with the pages above as a good summary to the topic.
A PASCO smart cart set up for acceleration
A descriptive and detailed pair of videos that explains how to use the PASCO Smart Cart to measure the acceleration of a moving cart. The resource explains how to use the phone app to interpret the measured data.
