LuduminaFM-07 · FM-U3 · Planned
Distance, displacement, speed and velocity
Learning objectives
Calculate average speed and displacement; distinguish velocity; H: explain constant-speed circular velocity change.
8463 §§4.5.6.1.1–4.5.6.1.3 / 8464 §§6.5.4.1.1–6.5.4.1.3
DfE single-science pp.35–37 / Combined pp.30–32. Evidence checked 30 September–1 October 2026. Skills: WS2.6,4.5; MS1c,2f,3c.
Needs firstFM-01; P0 rates
Explanation
Distance counts the full route; displacement is the straight-line change of position with direction. Average speed uses total distance divided by total time. Circular motion can have constant speed but changing velocity because its direction changes.
Concepts, equations and units: s=vt at constant speed; average speed=total distance/time; m, s, m/s; typical walking 1.5, running 3, cycling 6, sound about 330 m/s.
Prediction, demonstration and game exercise
Predict, observe, explain
Walk a loop and straight route; use clocks and positions; discuss varied wind/transport speeds.
Planned learner game exercise
Plan a delivery route, predict odometer and displacement arrow, then measure and compare.
Independent practice
Three rates with unit conversions; H: label velocities at four circle positions.
Original practice example · Shared
A learner walks 30 m out and 30 m back in 40 s. Find distance, displacement and average speed.
Show working and model answer
Working / reasoning
Distance = 60 m; final position equals start; average speed = 60/40.
Answer
60 m; 0 m displacement; 1.5 m/s average speed.
Exit check and success criteria
Two calculations correct and closed-loop zero displacement distinguished from distance.
During practice, compare the prediction with evidence and give an error-specific prompt. The exit item uses a fresh context or fresh values, answered independently.
Misconceptions, practical links and mastery
Check these misconceptions
Average speed is average of arbitrary speed readings; speed and velocity are interchangeable.
Practical preparation
Optional distance/time measurements, AT1,3.
Virtual preparation and revision only. Required hands-on activities and school records remain separate.
Proposed mastery
0: not yet evidenced. 1: supported. 2: independent exit criteria met. 3: successful changed-context transfer. Advance at 2; revisit with fresh retrieval. These are not GCSE grades.