CALCULATING TIME AND DISTANCE

Patty Anthony

Preview of Main Idea

The student will be introduced to the Rand McNally map that includes both United States Interstate Highways and Time-Distance maps. The student will learn to find the best route in the quickest time using the shortest distance.

Connection with Curriculum

This activity can be used for geography, math, and Social Studies.

Teaching Level: Grades 5-8 (This lesson can be adapted for other levels.)

Objective Classification Outline (Also see objectives classification matrix below.)

Objective #1: The student will be able to calculate time and distance between two points using a time-distance map.

Essential Element: The World in Spatial Terms.

Standard #1: How to use maps and other geographic tools and technologies to acquire, process and report information from a spatial perspective.

Knowledge Statement #3: The relative advantages and disadvantages of using maps, globes, aerial, and other photographs, satellite-produced images, and models to solve geographic problems.

Skill Set #2: Acquiring geographic information

Skill #2: use maps to collect and/or compile geographic information.

Theme: Location.

Materials

1.      Rand McNally U.S. Road Atlas (with time-distance map).

2.      Calculator.

Suggestions for teaching the Lesson

Opening the Lesson

1.      Have students predict the number of miles and the amount of time (traveling at 55mph) it would take to go from one major city to another. First, students make their predictions alone. Then they work in groups and come to a consensus estimate.

2.      Now use a road map to determine the actual mileage between these points. At this time, a comparison can be made between their estimations and what they found on their highway map.

3.      Now use a time-distance map to determine the distance and time between these two cities again. In this process, show students how to use this map. Again, class time can be used to share the beginning estimated distance and driving time compared with the actual results.

Developing the Lesson

1.      Show the United States map to students and discuss distance from one location to another.

2.      Speculate on the amount of time and distance between locations and discuss.

3.      Divide into teams and give each team a time-distance map.

4.      Give all teams a trip plan with a starting point, ending point, and an immediate stop.

5.      Have teams calculate fastest time and shortest route.

6.      Have teams graphically mark chosen route and show calculations.

7.      Ask students' team to justify their answer.

8.      Show students Rand McNally maps and discuss differences.

Concluding the Lesson

Discuss when or where the time-distance maps might be used and if the students are aware of any technology available to show time-distance in a different way.

Extending the Lesson

1.      Take a trip to the library and check the atlas section. Find a time-distance map other than the one they used for class. Look for other time-distance maps such as state maps or even maps of other countries.

2.      Have the students recreate the lesson turning it into a contest. The students will give at least a two-stop journey and will ask for the quickest route and in the least amount of time. The winner receives a free trip to the water fountain (or some sort of prize.)

3.      The student will work alone and calculate quickest time and shortest distance with a five-stop journey. The students must find the correct answer and explain it.

Assessing Student Learning

1.      Each student will work with a team to make a new time-distance map using different modes of travel. Examples are horses, wagon trains, jets, possibly snails, or time travel. They would later map and calculate.

2.      Have each student take a time-distance map home to an adult, repeat lesson, and check the answer. Adult would need to sign and send feedback to the teacher. The adult would then be encouraged to plan a trip for students to calculate and send back to the adult.

Additional Reading

Curley, Dorothy. "The Complete Time Traveler: A Tourist Guide to the Fourth Dimension."

L'Engle, Madeline. A Wrinkle in Time. Ariel Books.

CD ROM Programs Brodebund. Where in the World is Carmen Sandiego?

MECC. Oregon Trail and Oregon Trail II.

GEOGRAPHY STANDARDS CLASSIFICATION MATRIX – GRADES           5-8   

Title:          Calculating Time & Distance           Author:     Patty Anthony

Note:  See also Objectives Classification Outline in the lesson.

Handouts

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