Resource #V101061

Précis

Students can use formulae to work out the average speed of the train. They will also analyse which forces are in action on the railway, commenting on balance and impact of forces on the locomotive in action.

Contextual Summary

This resource is for key stage 3 students who are covering the topic ?Motion and Force? as part of the compulsory science element of the 2014 National Curriculum.

It allows students who visit Isle of Wight Steam Railway to engage with the scientific aspects within this environment.

Students can use formulae to work out the average speed of the train. They will also analyse which forces are in action on the railway, commenting on balance and impact of forces on the locomotive in action.

Students will present their observations and data using appropriate methods, including tables and graphs, showing how they have used and devised simple equations.

Curriculum Relevance

Science → Physics → Motion and Force

Implementation

This task can be introduced to students before their visit to Isle of Wight Steam Railway; before their visit students should learn the formula speed = distance ÷ time. Students should also learn how to convert this into kilometres per hour. Students should also learn how to draw distance time graphs, as this resource practises all of these techniques.

When on site at the railway, students can then complete their practise and answer questions on the sheet as they move around the venue. This will focus students? attention on the key areas for learning.

Key Skills Practised

• Present observations and data using appropriate methods, including tables and graphs
• Use and devise simple equations
• Identifying forces
• Drawing conclusions

Learning Opportunities

Pre-Visit

Before the visit, students will need to know about force diagrams, specifically how the size and direction of a force is represented by arrows. Students should learn the formula speed = distance ÷ time before they visit, and should also learn how to convert this into kilometres per hour. Students should also learn how to draw distance time graphs.

On Site

Completion of this activity.

Post-Visit

Class discussions of overall findings. Completion of labelled diagrams, PowerPoint slides or animations showing these examples.

Learning Outcomes

Students will be able to practise and present observations and data using appropriate methods, including tables and graphs, such as force diagrams, whilst using and devising simple equations.