Science.7.7.C

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The student is expected to measure, record, and interpret an object's motion using distance-time graphs; and
1666 TEKS header image

Knowledge and Skills Statement

Force, motion, and energy. The student describes the cause-and-effect relationship between force and motion.

The further explanation is designed to be a resource for educators that helps them better understand the topic their students are learning. Further explanations may be written at a more complex level than would be expected for students at the grade level.

On a distance-time graph, an increase in distance indicates that an object is moving away from the starting point and a decrease in distance indicates motion toward the starting point.  An object that is not moving will have no change in distance, shown as a horizontal line on the graph.  The speed of the object during any segment of the line can be calculated by dividing the change in distance by the change in time. 

A distance versus time graph is shown titled Distance of Golf Cart versus time. It shows an object moving away from the starting point (origin) at a speed of 1 m/s from 0 to 2 seconds, a speed of 8 m/s away from the starting point from 2 to 5 seconds, stopped from 5 to 7 seconds, and then moving toward the starting point at a speed of 3 m/s from 7 to 12 seconds.

This distance-time graph shows an object moving away from the starting point (origin) at a speed of 1 m/s from 0 to 2 seconds, a speed of 8 m/s away from the starting point from 2 to 5 seconds, stopped from 5 to 7 seconds, and then moving toward the starting point at a speed of 3 m/s from 7 to 12 seconds. 

Glossary terms and definitions are consistent across kindergarten through high school in the TEKS Guide. The definitions are intended to give educators a common understanding of the terms regardless of what grade level they teach. Glossary definitions are not intended for use with students.

a push or pull between two objects

an act, process, or instance of changing position or location

Research

Galluzzo, Benjamin, Michael Ramsdell, Joshua  Thomas, Kathleen Kavanagh, Cory Ryder, Darlene Bissonette, and Jennifer Knack. "Cornhole Predicts the Perfect Pitch:  A Hands-On Projectile Motion Experience Comparing Models and Data." Science Scope 44, no.5 (2021): 54–60. DOI:10.1080/08872376.2021.12291415

Summary: In this article, students use the game of Cornhole, where bean bags are tossed into holes on a board, to practice data collection and analysis and make mathematical calculations. Students make predictions on launch speeds and angles to help them play more effectively and score more points. The activity starts with a computer game that simulates the game of Cornhole to brainstorm ideas using factors present during the game. Students then used an interactive mathematical spreadsheet for data collection. This activity allows students to use mathematical calculations to make predictions and explore cause-and-effect relationships.