Examiner reports frequently show only the most able students achieve full marks on questions about average speed for two part journeys. This is strange when the same reports show the majority of students often achieve full marks for single stage journeys.
When attempting questions on speed, distance and time for two part journeys students often fail to, add different units of time correctly, use consistent units of speed or separate the journey into two or more parts clearly enough to identify the key information. Click here to watch the video.
I created this lesson to help students break down the information from a multiple stage journey into an easy to understand diagram. This way, they will be able to focus on the mathematics rather than trying to comprehend the problem.
At the start of the lesson the questions include the timeline as part of the information given to the students. As the learning progresses the time line is removed and replaced with worded descriptions. Later, questions require students to model the journey using algebraic notation to set up and solve linear equations.
I first taught this lesson using Microsoft Teams during lockdown with students and I working remotely from home. I encouraged students to take part using either the chat facility or by having their microphones on. We also used breakout rooms when multiple had a problem with the same question.
Here is a sample of three questions that are included in the lesson and the misconceptions that arose through the discussion in breakout rooms.
Misconceptions
When it worked well
Most of the students who had correctly calculated the times for each stage of the journey went on to solve the problem.
Misconceptions
When it worked well
Those students who worked out Jackie’s average speed and used this to find the time it took her to reach 36 km went on to solve the problem correctly.
Misconceptions
When it worked well
Those who had correctly written the distance Hannah and Lauren travelled, at the point Lauren caught up to Hannah, in terms of T were able to set up an equation to find the time.
My name is Jonathan Robinson and I am passionate about teaching mathematics. I am currently Head of Maths in the South East of England and have been teaching for over 15 years. I am proud to have helped teachers all over the world to continue to engage and inspire their students with my lessons.
Calculating speed as a measurement of distance over a unit of time.
In this lesson there are five grade 8 and 9 maths problems for higher ability students.
Calculating the speed, distance and time for two part journeys.
Connecting permutations, number properties and money to deepen students understanding of place value.