STS Speed Limit

Name _______________________

Date ____________Block _____

We have been investigating speed now you are going to explore a topic that affects you everyday. Speed limits. The question asked to you is, should speed limits be increased or decreased?

You and your partner will explore and do research on the Internet to investigate what you think should happen to speed limits. Each of you must pick a side to research. You must use facts to support your topic; you must research both the pros and cons of your topic and then decide which view you will support. You will then each create a brochure, poster or persuasive letter that you will share with the class in a short presentation.

During your research, you:

Can explore some of the following questions but you are not limited to these questions.

Use the websites listed on the back of this sheet. These sites can also be found on the Ellington library school website.

After your research, you:

Will chose to create a brochure, poster or persuasive letter.

Answer the required question; do you think speed limits are a representative of instantaneous speed or average speed? Why?

Present your topic to the class.

Questions:

What are speed limits?

What purpose do speed limits serve?

What is the history of speed limits?

Are speed limits federal or state laws?

What is Connecticut’s present speed limit law?

What are the criteria for setting speed limits?

Link your view to fatalities, do you find more or less?

Is speeding a safety problem?

Does the speed limit matter?

Required question:

In addition to your brochure, poster or letter you must answer the following question? (This may be completed on a separate sheet of paper)

Do you think speed limits are a representative of instantaneous speed or average speed? Why? You must back up your opinion with at least 2 facts.

Rubric:

A rubric will be provided based on the project you choose.

Due Date:

Brochure, poster, or persuasive letter is due on Tuesday, November 13^th. Presentations will also begin on this day. 2 points will be deducted for each day the project is late.

Websites for research:

CT Laws/History/criteria for setting speed limits

http://www.iihs.org/research/qanda/speed_limits.html

http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/biz/trafficoperations/traffic/limits.htm

http://www.ct.gov/dot/cwp/view.asp?Q=259744

http://www.dot.state.mn.us/speed/speedbrochure.html

Increasing the speed limit

http://www.motorists.org/speedlimits/home/speed-limit-studies/

http://www.iihs.org/research/qanda/speed_limits.html

Decreasing the speed limit

http://www.ct.gov/dot/cwp/view.asp?Q=259744

http://www.dot.state.mn.us/speed/speedbrochure.html