A Real-Life Algebra Investigation

In this investigation, students will measure their running time over different distances (20 m, 50 m, and 100 m), calculate their average speed and determine if they are faster over shorter or longer distances.

I am always looking for activities that get my middle school students out of the classroom and moving about, and this investigation is perfect for exactly that.

Students conduct this algebra investigation by substituting their running time and distance into the speed formula.

To run this investigation smoothly, I would recommend:

• Start the lesson in the classroom and play a few short inspirational 100 m race videos of famous sprinters. Explain the activity before moving outside.
• Having one lesson for gathering data and a shorter lesson for completing the worksheet questions makes it less of a rush and students can rest between sprints.
• Have clipboards or workbooks for students to press on.
• Get students to help with marking out the different distances, using cones and chalk/spray paint to mark the start and finish lines.