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Tool: Understanding Distance, Speed, and Time Relationships Using Simulation Software
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Go to: http://www.nctm.org/standards/content.aspx?id=25037 (opens a new window)
Description: In this activity, students investigate how changing starting position and step size affects the graph of the time versus distance relationship.
Technology Type: Java Applet 
Authors: Tierney
Cornelia
Ricardo Nemirovsky
Tracy Noble
and Doug Clements
NCTM
Language: English 
Cost: Does not require payment for use
Average Rating:  [72] Login to rate this resource
My MathTools: Login to Subscribe / Save This
Reviews: see the 6 reviews of this resource / add a review of this Tool 
Discussions: see the 416 posts discussing this resource
Lesson Plans: Single Runner
Two Runners
Activities: Exploring Distance, Rate, and Time (Classwork)
Exploring Distance, Rate, and Time (Homework)
Technology PoW: Runners
Courses: Math 4 Rates
Math 5 Rates
Math 6 Rates
Math 7 Rates
Teacher Review (Not based on classroom experience)
Reviewer: fibomath, Jun 29 2009 03:06:34:953PM
Appropriate for: introduction to a concept, practice of skills and understandings
Ability to meet my goals: Effective
Recommended for:
Math 5: Ratio and proportion
Math 6: Equations and functions, Ratio and proportion
Math 7: Equations and functions, Ratio and proportion
Algebra: Functions / Relations
Teacher Review (Not based on classroom experience)
Reviewer: GGG, Mar 21 2008 04:24:58:550AM
Appropriate for: introduction to a concept
Ability to meet my goals: Effective
Recommended for:
Math 4: Equations and functions, Data analysis
Math 5: Equations and functions, Data analysis
Teacher Review (Not based on classroom experience)
Reviewer: mbackus, Jan 22 2008 08:26:03:507PM
Appropriate for: introduction to a concept, practice of skills and understandings, applications of a concept or technique, advanced investigations
Ability to meet my goals: Very Effective
Recommended for:
Algebra
Teacher Review (Not based on classroom experience)
Reviewer: Darline, Jul 10 2007 12:10:39:017PM
Appropriate for: introduction to a concept, practice of skills and understandings, applications of a concept or technique
Ability to meet my goals: Effective
Recommended for:
Math 7: Fractions, Equations and functions, Linear relationships, Ratio and proportion, Rect coordinate geometry, Geometry in the plane, Measurement
Teacher Review (Not based on classroom experience)
Reviewer: D_Matt, Jun 27 2007 01:35:00:030PM
Appropriate for: introduction to a concept, practice of skills and understandings, applications of a concept or technique
Ability to meet my goals: Effective
Recommended for:
Math 7: Algebra and expressions, Equations and functions, Linear relationships, Ratio and proportion, Geometry in the plane, Measurement
Teacher Review (Based on classroom experience)
Reviewer: M G, Jan 16 2007 07:50:42:527PM
What did students learn? reinforcement of slope intercept formula and meaning behind
Recommended for:
Math 7: Equations and functions, Linear relationships
Algebra: Functions / Relations, Linear Equations, Analyzing Linear Data
Read the full length reviews for this resource
  Craig
Comment:I have been looking for a graphic tool like this for a while--it will be great for an Algebra 1 class learning about slope/rate of change and about systems of equations!
  shiv
Comment:Very good tool to see the interplay between variables.
  profmathy
Comment:I really like the way we can change so many parameters. This allows students to have more choices and variations. Great tool for understanding the importance of graphing lines and how to interpret the results.
  Cr.Morgan
Comment:Good activity for linear relationships and introducing slope.
  gatita
Comment:The explanation about the software is not clear about getting the controls to work until you open a new window.
  gemlim
Comment:Superb tool to reinforce the concept of slope, y-intercept, parallels, effects in the changes of parameters. My students had a chance to see the relevance of slopes and intercepts from the abstract to something visual/simulated.
  suzie q
Comment:Neat tool!
  cla
Comment:Excellent tool to explore position over time with a graph.
  sherit
Comment:a fun way for young students to investigate concepts such as time and distance
  Stefanie
Comment:Teaching Elementary kids this site would be helpful to introduce line graphs by showing change over time with one or two runners.
  nikconsult
Comment:very nice
  TAR
Comment:Great tool for algebraic thinking with 8th graders!
  bewatson
Comment:I think this applet offers the hands-on opportunity for students for a variety of applications. You could use this activity to talk about slope, systems of equations and more.
  Tamara32707
Comment:Useful interactive tool for leaning slope,
  daviauk
Comment:Great way to introduce slope, rate, y-intercept, and parallel.
  Sue55
Comment:This is a great tool for developing an understanding of slope in a context.
  svolger
Comment:The correlation between the runners and the graph is obvious to every student as they unfold at the same time. The graph, therefore, is not just a pair of random lines.
  abigail
Comment:Great for slopes, however, I would like to see the software a bit more direct. Truly like the activity!
  Carlosv
Comment:Great tool for looking at a system of two linear equations in a real-world context! I think students will find it very intuitive to use.
  NicoleS
Comment:I think this simulation is a great way to begin a unit on slope.
  Arllie
Comment:This tool is a great way for students to visually see the relationship between the variables of time, distance and speed and how they affect the slope of the graph.
  asmithy
Comment:Great interactive tool
  Maricris
Comment:Great for teaching systems of linear equations.
  Saucy
Comment:This applet requires additional resources in order for students to grasp the concepts that it can be used for. Perhaps someone would like write some activities for students to perform while visiting this tool as a quick resource for teachers.
  btamotsu
Comment:Thanks - what is it written in?
  DolleJan
Comment:Useful in teaching students about generating a line on a graph but since it only uses the 1st quadrant it is limited
  donaldjeo
Comment:Wao that's really good. I like it.. i like to give this tool to my all student but after mcp. So have a nice day and keep it going :)
  bcbeckums
Comment:This was a really interesting activity and I was able to make a short unit with it!
  B-more Jen
Comment:This is a very good tool for alowing students to experiment with the meaning of slope
  leen
Comment:Great introduction to put meaning to the word slope. It is not just something that the kids "will only need for math class."
  johneb
Comment:soft really useful, thanks. kartony