Introduction to calculating speed

I taught this lesson to a low ability year 9 class and it is based on the new GCSE spec. It has a really scaffolded worksheet included in the powerpoint which you could adapt to challenge higher ability students (See cover image).

Once students have figured out how to calculate speed on their own using the worksheet and the guided questions they carry out an experiment to apply their new knowledge. This come in the form of a trolley and ramp experiment. The students investigate what happens to the speed of the trolley when the height. of the ramp is increased. We are lucky enough to have the equipment in my school but it could easily be carried out with a toy car and a plank of wood raised by books.

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