Speed Distance and Time Race Experiment
Race across the yard, time yourself, measure the distance, and calculate your speed. Real physics with a formula you can feel in your legs.
What You'll Need
- 1Tape measure (50+ feet)
- 2Stopwatch or phone timer
- 3Cones or sticks for markers
- 4Paper and pencil for recording
- 5Calculator
What You'll Need
A tape measure (50+ feet)
A stopwatch or phone timer
Cones or sticks for start and finish markers
Paper, pencil, and calculator
How to Play
Measure a 50-foot course. Mark start and finish.
Review the formula: Speed = Distance / Time.
Run the course. Time it. Record.
Calculate: "50 feet in 6 seconds = 8.3 feet per second."
Convert to mph: multiply by 0.68. "About 5.7 mph!"
Try walking, skipping, crawling. Calculate each.
Make a data table: Activity, Distance, Time, Speed. Compare.
The Math Behind It
Speed = Distance / Time is one of the most fundamental equations in physics. By timing yourself over a measured distance, you're generating real data that feeds a real formula. Converting between units (feet per second to miles per hour) is practical math that connects the abstract equation to something meaningful: "I run at 5.7 mph. A cheetah runs at 70 mph. That's 12 times faster than me!"
Tips
Accuracy matters: measure the course carefully and start the timer precisely when the runner crosses the start line.
Running the same course multiple times and averaging reduces error. Real scientists repeat measurements.
Compare your speed to animals: a snail (0.03 mph), a chicken (9 mph), Usain Bolt (27 mph), a cheetah (70 mph).
Try timing a ball rolling, a bicycle, or a toy car. The formula works for anything that moves.
For advanced kids, rearrange the formula: "If I want to arrive in 10 seconds, how fast must I go?" This introduces algebraic thinking.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does this activity take?
This activity takes about 30 min, with 5 min of preparation time beforehand.
What materials do I need?
You'll need: tape measure (50+ feet), stopwatch or phone timer, cones or sticks for markers, paper and pencil for recording, calculator.
What age is this activity for?
This activity is designed for 8-12 years. You can adapt it for younger or older children by adjusting the complexity.
Does this need to be done outdoors?
This activity is best done outdoors where kids have space to move and explore.
How difficult is this activity?
This activity has a moderate difficulty level. It may require some preparation or guidance, but is manageable for most families.
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