* Acceleration is the *change* in an object's speed or direction over time. It's how quickly something speeds up, slows down, or changes direction.

* Speed is how fast an object is moving, without considering direction.

What does acceleration mean for speed?

* Increasing speed: If an object is accelerating in the same direction as its motion, its speed will increase.

* Decreasing speed: If an object is accelerating in the opposite direction of its motion (think braking), its speed will decrease.

* Constant speed, changing direction: An object can also be accelerating even if its speed is constant if it changes direction. Think of a car going around a curve at a constant speed.

In short:

* An accelerating object can have increasing speed, decreasing speed, or constant speed (if it's changing direction).

Key point: Acceleration describes *how* the speed is changing, not necessarily what the speed *is* at any given moment.