Distance, Rate and Time

This lab will get your students up and moving! And guess what? It's a MATH lab. That's right --I'm combining exercise and math over here :-)

The target level for this lab is algebra 1 (typically 8th or 9th graders), but some advanced pre-algebra students will be able to handle it as well. Students should have a very basic understanding of systems of linear equations and percent error calculations before jumping into this activity.

The hands-on portion of this lab is written to be conducted on a running track, but as stated in the 'procedure' section, any path that makes a complete loop will do. This is another great, cheap lab for homeschoolers because the only materials required are measurement tools of the student's choice.

During this activity, students will solve 3 rate problems both algebraically and experimentally outside on the track. They will have to come up with their own measurement and tracking techniques to collect data, and they will assess the accuracy of their results by performing percent error calculations.

The package includes:
1. A concept review of distance, rate and time.
2. A pre-lab practice worksheet that allows students to apply their knowledge to problems similar to those that they will encounter during the lab.
3. A materials list and a step-by-step procedure.
4. A data sheet to record measurements.
5. A "Calculations" page to algebraically solve each of the 3 scenarios described.
6. A "Results and Discussion" worksheet with both reflective and critical thinking questions about the lab.
7. "Standards Alignment" pages that highlight the Common Core, NGSS and ITEEA standards that apply to the lab.
8. A sample answer key and a sample grading rubric. NOTE: The answer key was created using an older version of the lab but the questions and answers are all accurate. The grading rubric assumes that students were not required to write a lab report as part of this activity.
9. A font agreement from Kevin Richey, creator of the "mostly mono" font used in the documents.


Enjoy my "Math on the Track" lab and please keep my store in mind for other hands-on STEM experiments!