Distance, Direction and Position

Standards Addressed:
1. Motion
a.Students know position is defined in relation to some choice of a standard reference point and a set
of reference directions.
b.Students know that average speed is the total distance traveled divided by the total time elapsed
and that the speed of an object along the path traveled can vary.

If asked how far you live from your school, you may say the distance is 5 miles or 8
kilometers. But if you asked where your house is located compared to the school, you would
probably give a different answer. To describe the exact location or position, you must
specify a direction as well as a distance.

Objective:

To create a map from Room 105 to the the front office using the mapping skills
developed during the Maverick Mapping Mission. Groups will exchange maps and
attempt to follow the map to the intermediate check points as well as to the final
destination. Groups will measure their average velocity by calculating the distance
traveled and the time required.

Procedure:

1. Beginning from Room 105, select a check point that can be seen from the door.
Measure the angle to the check point and then pace the distance. (You will need to
remember the length of your pace, or if necessary, remeasure it.) Record the location
of the check point, the angle you measured and the number of paces on the chart.
2. From the first checkpoint, choose another point that is visible from where you are.
Once again, measure the angle and pace the distance. Record the data on the chart.
3. Repeat the sighting-pacing process for a minimum of six check points before
reaching the office. (the office should be the seventh checkpoint.)
4. Calculate the distance by multiplying the length of your pace times the number of
paces and record it on the chart.

Check Point # Angle # of Paces Distance (m) Location

7 Office
Mapping Group Members:
1.

2.

3.

4.

Research Group Members:

1.

2.

3.

4.

The mapping group completes columns 2 and 3 and then trades this sheet with another
group. The research groups attempts to follow the information and to locate the various
check points along the way to the office. (complete columns 4 and 5)

Checkpoint Angle Distance (m) Location Time

7 Office

Total distance traveled divided by total time = average speed

____________ / ______________ = ________________

Research returns this paper to the mapping group to check the locations of the
checkpoints.