Description
Bring motion and data analysis to life with this hands-on, interactive speed lab! Students race mini cars down a ramp, collect real-world data, calculate speed, and compare results across multiple trials—all inside a self-updating Google Sheet. The leaderboard, color-coding, and built-in data tables make this lab engaging, organized, and classroom-ready.
This collaborative investigation blends science, math, and data literacy, giving students a clear understanding of how distance, time, and speed relate while encouraging teamwork and scientific thinking.
Students Will:
• Conduct a hands-on speed investigation using mini race cars
• Record distance-and-time data across multiple trials
• Calculate speed using the formula Speed = Distance ÷ Time
• Analyze changes in speed across trials
• Compare cars using averages and a live-updating leaderboard
• Make predictions and reflect on their results
• Answer reflection questions to deepen understanding
What’s Included:
• Student-friendly data tables (groups of 4)
• Automatic speed calculations + color-coded self-checking formulas
• Live leaderboard that updates as students enter data
• Graphs and visuals that help students interpret results
• Prediction & Reflection questions
• Complete Student Instructions tab
• Teacher Directions tab
• Extension Challenge for fast finishers
• Fully formatted one-tab or multi-tab Google Sheets setup
Perfect For:
✓ Grades 6–7 (also adaptable for 5th or 8th)
✓ Middle school science
✓ Rates, ratios, and unit-rate lessons
✓ NGSS-aligned investigations
✓ Hands-on STEM activities
✓ Lab days, stations, and collaborative group work
✓ Sub plans (low prep, high engagement!)
Standards Alignment:
NGSS:
• MS-PS2-2 Plan and conduct investigations about motion
• Science & Engineering Practices:
– Planning and Carrying Out Investigations
– Analyzing and Interpreting Data
– Using Mathematics and Computational Thinking
Common Core Math:
• 6.RP.A.3b Solve unit rate problems involving constant speed
• 6.SP.B.4 & 6.SP.B.5 Display and interpret numerical data
Little Prep. Hands-on. High Engagement.
A self-checking lab experience your students will love—and one your admin will love seeing in your lesson plans!
Distance, Time, Speed Car Racing Lab | Self-Checking Speed Calculations (Sheets)
Highlights
Description
Bring motion and data analysis to life with this hands-on, interactive speed lab! Students race mini cars down a ramp, collect real-world data, calculate speed, and compare results across multiple trials—all inside a self-updating Google Sheet. The leaderboard, color-coding, and built-in data tables make this lab engaging, organized, and classroom-ready.
This collaborative investigation blends science, math, and data literacy, giving students a clear understanding of how distance, time, and speed relate while encouraging teamwork and scientific thinking.
Students Will:
• Conduct a hands-on speed investigation using mini race cars
• Record distance-and-time data across multiple trials
• Calculate speed using the formula Speed = Distance ÷ Time
• Analyze changes in speed across trials
• Compare cars using averages and a live-updating leaderboard
• Make predictions and reflect on their results
• Answer reflection questions to deepen understanding
What’s Included:
• Student-friendly data tables (groups of 4)
• Automatic speed calculations + color-coded self-checking formulas
• Live leaderboard that updates as students enter data
• Graphs and visuals that help students interpret results
• Prediction & Reflection questions
• Complete Student Instructions tab
• Teacher Directions tab
• Extension Challenge for fast finishers
• Fully formatted one-tab or multi-tab Google Sheets setup
Perfect For:
✓ Grades 6–7 (also adaptable for 5th or 8th)
✓ Middle school science
✓ Rates, ratios, and unit-rate lessons
✓ NGSS-aligned investigations
✓ Hands-on STEM activities
✓ Lab days, stations, and collaborative group work
✓ Sub plans (low prep, high engagement!)
Standards Alignment:
NGSS:
• MS-PS2-2 Plan and conduct investigations about motion
• Science & Engineering Practices:
– Planning and Carrying Out Investigations
– Analyzing and Interpreting Data
– Using Mathematics and Computational Thinking
Common Core Math:
• 6.RP.A.3b Solve unit rate problems involving constant speed
• 6.SP.B.4 & 6.SP.B.5 Display and interpret numerical data
Little Prep. Hands-on. High Engagement.
A self-checking lab experience your students will love—and one your admin will love seeing in your lesson plans!
