Activity Overview
Students often find it difficult to tell the difference between displacement-time graphs and velocity-time graphs. In this activity students will create a chart that illustrates how motion can be described using displacement-time graphs and velocity-time graphs. Students should be encouraged to describe the differences if they are prone to get confused even with the visual aid of the graph.
| Motion Type | Displacement-Time Graph | Velocity-Time Graph |
|---|---|---|
| Acceleration (Positive Acceleration) | A curved line where the gradient is increasing | A line with a constant positive gradient |
| Constant Velocity | A line with a constant positive gradient | A horizontal line |
| Deceleration (Negative Acceleration) | A curved line where the gradient is decreasing | A line with a constant negative gradient |
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Create displacement-time and velocity-time graphs for different situations.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Use a combinations of scenes, characters and props to create a visualization for the following situations: Positive acceleration, constant speed, and negative acceleration (deceleration).
- Use lines to show what the displacement-time and velocity-time graphs look like for the following situations: Positive acceleration, constant speed, and negative acceleration (deceleration).
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient 20 Points | Emerging 10 Points | Beginning 0 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Axis | Both the X and Y axis are correctly labeled. | The X or the Y axis is correctly labeled. | Neither of the axis labels are correct. |
| Displacement-Time Graphs | The displacement-time graphs are correct for all different motion types: acceleration (positive acceleration), constant speed, and deceleration (negative acceleration). | The displacement-time graphs are correct for two of the three different motion types: acceleration (positive acceleration), constant speed, and deceleration (negative acceleration). | The displacement-time graphs are correct for only one of the three different motion types: acceleration (positive acceleration), constant speed, and deceleration (negative acceleration). |
| Velocity-Time Graphs | The velocity-time graphs are correct for all different motion types: acceleration (positive acceleration), constant speed, and deceleration (negative acceleration). | The velocity-time graphs are correct for two of the three different motion types: acceleration (positive acceleration), constant speed. and deceleration (negative acceleration). | The velocity-time graphs are correct for only one of the three different motion types: acceleration (positive acceleration), constant speed, and deceleration (negative acceleration). |
| Visualization | Every situation has a clear and easy-to-understand visualization. | Every situation has a visualization, but some are difficult to understand. | Not every situation has a visualization. |
| Evidence of Effort | Work is well written and carefully thought out. | Work shows some evidence of effort. | Work shows little evidence of any effort. |
Activity Overview
Students often find it difficult to tell the difference between displacement-time graphs and velocity-time graphs. In this activity students will create a chart that illustrates how motion can be described using displacement-time graphs and velocity-time graphs. Students should be encouraged to describe the differences if they are prone to get confused even with the visual aid of the graph.
| Motion Type | Displacement-Time Graph | Velocity-Time Graph |
|---|---|---|
| Acceleration (Positive Acceleration) | A curved line where the gradient is increasing | A line with a constant positive gradient |
| Constant Velocity | A line with a constant positive gradient | A horizontal line |
| Deceleration (Negative Acceleration) | A curved line where the gradient is decreasing | A line with a constant negative gradient |
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Create displacement-time and velocity-time graphs for different situations.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Use a combinations of scenes, characters and props to create a visualization for the following situations: Positive acceleration, constant speed, and negative acceleration (deceleration).
- Use lines to show what the displacement-time and velocity-time graphs look like for the following situations: Positive acceleration, constant speed, and negative acceleration (deceleration).
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient 20 Points | Emerging 10 Points | Beginning 0 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Axis | Both the X and Y axis are correctly labeled. | The X or the Y axis is correctly labeled. | Neither of the axis labels are correct. |
| Displacement-Time Graphs | The displacement-time graphs are correct for all different motion types: acceleration (positive acceleration), constant speed, and deceleration (negative acceleration). | The displacement-time graphs are correct for two of the three different motion types: acceleration (positive acceleration), constant speed, and deceleration (negative acceleration). | The displacement-time graphs are correct for only one of the three different motion types: acceleration (positive acceleration), constant speed, and deceleration (negative acceleration). |
| Velocity-Time Graphs | The velocity-time graphs are correct for all different motion types: acceleration (positive acceleration), constant speed, and deceleration (negative acceleration). | The velocity-time graphs are correct for two of the three different motion types: acceleration (positive acceleration), constant speed. and deceleration (negative acceleration). | The velocity-time graphs are correct for only one of the three different motion types: acceleration (positive acceleration), constant speed, and deceleration (negative acceleration). |
| Visualization | Every situation has a clear and easy-to-understand visualization. | Every situation has a visualization, but some are difficult to understand. | Not every situation has a visualization. |
| Evidence of Effort | Work is well written and carefully thought out. | Work shows some evidence of effort. | Work shows little evidence of any effort. |
How Tos about Compare Displacement and Velocity Graphs
How to help students interpret real-world motion scenarios using displacement and velocity graphs
Connect classroom learning to everyday experiences by presenting real-life examples (like a car speeding up, a runner slowing down, or a ball rolling to a stop). Ask students to match these scenarios to the correct displacement and velocity graphs. This helps students make stronger connections and improves concept retention.
Guide students to identify graph features for acceleration and deceleration
Highlight key visual cues on each graph, such as curves for acceleration or slopes for constant velocity. Encourage students to label gradients and discuss what they represent. This makes it easier for students to distinguish between motion types.
Facilitate small group discussions to compare graph interpretations
Organize students into small groups and have them share how they interpreted each graph. Prompt them to explain their reasoning and listen to peers’ ideas. This fosters collaboration and deeper understanding of motion representations.
Use formative checks to reinforce understanding
Ask students quick questions or give mini-quizzes on identifying graph types and motion scenarios. Provide instant feedback so misconceptions are addressed right away. This ensures students are on track before moving on.
Encourage students to create their own graph scenarios
Challenge students to invent unique motion stories and draw corresponding displacement and velocity graphs. Share and discuss these with the class. This builds confidence and helps students apply their knowledge creatively.
Frequently Asked Questions about Compare Displacement and Velocity Graphs
What is the difference between a displacement-time graph and a velocity-time graph?
Displacement-time graphs show how an object's position changes over time, while velocity-time graphs show how the object's speed and direction (velocity) change over time. Displacement-time graphs use position as the vertical axis, and velocity-time graphs use velocity.
How can I tell if a graph represents positive acceleration or deceleration?
On a displacement-time graph, positive acceleration appears as a curve with an increasing gradient, while deceleration shows a curve with a decreasing gradient. On a velocity-time graph, positive acceleration is a line with a constant positive gradient, and deceleration is a line with a constant negative gradient.
What does constant velocity look like on both displacement-time and velocity-time graphs?
For constant velocity, the displacement-time graph is a straight line with a constant positive gradient, and the velocity-time graph is a horizontal line (indicating unchanging speed and direction).
How can I create simple motion graphs for my students?
Use real-life scenarios or props to illustrate motion types. Draw displacement-time and velocity-time graphs for each: show curves for acceleration/deceleration and straight lines for constant velocity. Encourage students to label axes and gradients clearly.
Why do students often confuse displacement-time and velocity-time graphs?
Students may confuse these graphs because both involve time on the horizontal axis and lines or curves that can look similar. The key difference is the vertical axis: displacement vs. velocity, and what the gradient represents.
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