Ships and Currents

In this worksheet, students solve upstream and downstream boat problems that require applying the speed = distance ÷ time relationship with current effects. Learners compute effective speeds with and against a river current, then back out still-water boat speed and current speed from round trips. Several tasks introduce weather delays and mixed conditions so students must include stops and varying speeds when finding total time and overall average speed. Problems are arranged in parts that progressively mix conversions, multi-step reasoning, and equation writing. Students practice careful unit use (hours and minutes) and justify calculations with clear rate reasoning. The challenge problem synthesizes the entire skill set in a realistic round-trip scenario.

Curriculum Matched Skills

Mathematics – Solving Distance, Rate, and Time Problems

Science – Relative Motion in Fluids (current-assisted and opposed travel)

Mathematics – Multi-Step Word Problem Reasoning

Mathematics – Unit Conversion and Time Computation

Science – Quantitative Modeling of Real-World Situations

This worksheet is part of our Speed, Distance, and Time collection.