A printable 20-problem Turkey Trot activity using distance-time tables, unit rates, proportional graphs, slope, equations, and predictions.
A distance-time context connects four representations students often study separately: verbal rate, table, graph, and equation. Students compare constant speeds, identify nonproportional starts, and interpret slope using real units.
On graphs, insist that time is the horizontal variable and distance is the vertical variable. Ask students to say 'miles per minute' rather than giving an unlabeled slope.
Use the race table to calculate rates, plot ordered pairs, compare runners, and write linear models. Label graph axes and units.
| Time (minutes) | Runner A distance (miles) | Runner B distance (miles) |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | 0 | 0.25 |
| 10 | 1 | 1.00 |
| 20 | 2 | 1.75 |
| 30 | 3 | 2.50 |
Use the reference table above when provided. All questions and solutions also appear in the printable packet.
Interpret values and changes from tabular data.
Calculate and compare constant rates with units.
Plot ordered pairs and interpret intercepts and slope.
Represent each runner with a linear model.
Make predictions and design a new linear plan.
Equivalent forms and clearly supported open-ended responses should receive credit.
1. 3 miles
2. 1.5 miles
3. Runner A by 0.25 mile
4. mile each interval
5. 0.1 mile per minute
6. 0.075 mile per minute
7. 6 miles per hour
8. miles per hour
9. (0,0), (10,1), (20,2), (30,3)
10. Runner B began 0.25 mile ahead
11. Runner A is proportional because it starts at (0,0); Runner B is not
12. , or mile per minute
13. d = 0.1t
14. d = 0.075t + 0.25
15. 10 minutes
16. mile
17. 4.5 miles
18. 0.1 mile per minute, or 6 mph
19. d = 0.08t; 3.2 miles
20. minutes