VESNU Calculations display/book print out

A clear print out suitable for a classroom display or to be stuck into a pupil’s exercise book. A method useful for calculations in GCSE science, but can easily be embedded from KS3.

The VESNU method for calculations is an improvement on the much-used FIFA but ensures that pupils always remember to convert units, include units in answers and rearrange.

1. V (Values) – Identify and list all the given values from the problem statement.
2. E (Equation) – Write down the relevant formula or equation needed to solve the problem.
3. S (Substitute) – Substitute / swap in the given values into the equation, then rearrange if necessary to solve for the unknown variable.
4. N (Numerical Answer) – Perform the calculations to obtain the numerical answer.
5. U (Units) – Ensure the final answer includes the correct units.

Example: Finding Time
Problem: A car is moving at a speed of 20 m/s and covers a distance of 100 meters. How long does it take?
V (Values)
• Distance (d) = 100 m
• Speed (s) = 20 m/s
• Time (t) = ?

E (Equation)
Speed = Distance / Time

S (Substitute)
Substituting the values:
20 = 100 / t
Rearranging to solve for t:
t = 100 / 20

N (Numerical Answer)
t = 5

U (Units)
t = 5 s