Driving along, observing the speed limit and I entered a section of road covered by average speed cameras. I understand how these work and therefore know a driver should drive at a constant speed, at or under the speed limit, in order to avoid encountering a conviction. However, I observed a young lady speeding in between cameras and then slowing for each one. She clearly did not understand the term 'average'. This lead me to think about how 'average' could be taught using these cameras as a real life context.
I have two possible methods for carrying out this investigation:
One: Using the formula for calculating speed: Speed = Distance ÷ Time. Give the children a set of data. The data being that for time taken for drivers to travel the distance between cameras. The data can be put into the formula and then the children work out which motorists are within the limit and those who are not.
Two: Giving the children the driver's speed in between each camera on a road and then the children calculate an average of those speeds. Again, from this the children work out which motorists are within the limit and those who are not.
Also: See Stuart's very useful and helpful suggestions below.
Update: February 23, 2015
The
first idea is more in line with how the system actually works. However,
the second would work better in a primary classroom for calculating
averages. We've made a resource to accompany the latter.
Also: See Stuart's very useful and helpful suggestions below.
Update: February 23, 2015
