Calculating Speed, Distance, and Time

Sheena Doria

This educational video provides a clear, step-by-step guide on how to calculate the three fundamental variables of motion: speed, distance, and time. Through a series of six progressive word problems, an animated teacher guides students through the formulas for each variable, demonstrating not just the arithmetic but also the importance of unit analysis and cancellation. The video utilizes the popular "DST triangle" mnemonic to help students memorize the relationship between the variables. The content is structured into three distinct sections, with two examples provided for each concept: calculating distance (Speed × Time), calculating speed (Distance ÷ Time), and calculating time (Distance ÷ Speed). Specific attention is given to defining each term—explaining speed as a scalar quantity, distance as total length, and time as duration—and verifying the correct units of measurement for the final answers. For educators, this resource serves as an excellent direct-instruction tool for upper elementary or middle school math and science classes. It effectively models problem-solving behaviors, such as identifying given values, selecting the correct formula, substituting numbers, and checking units. The video's pacing allows for "pause-and-solve" interactivity, making it ideal for introducing the concepts or reviewing them before a test.