How Quick Are Your Responses?

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In this activity (on page 134 of the PDF), learners explore reaction time. Learners will discover that reaction time can vary even for the same individual and that a disruption in an individual's sleep/wake cycle can slow their reaction time. This activity can be enhanced by sharing the "Astronaut's Sleep" Podcast with learners (see related resource link). This resource guide includes background information and sample evaluation questions.

Quick Guide

Preparation Time:
5 to 10 minutes
Learning Time:
1 to 2 hours
Estimated Materials Cost:
1 cent - $1 per group of students
Age Range:
Ages 8 - 18
Resource Types:
Activity, Experiment/Lab Activity, Lesson/Lesson Plan
Language:
English

Materials List (per group of students)

  • Ruler
  • Scissors
  • Pen or pencil
  • Meter stick
  • Note pad

Keywords

Subjects

  • Life Sciences
    • Human Body
      • The Brain and Nervous System
      • Health and Nutrition
  • Mathematics
    • Algebra
      • Patterns
    • Data Analysis and Probability
      • Data Analysis
      • Data Collection
      • Data Representation
    • Measurement
      • Rate
    • Reasoning and Proof
    • Representation
  • The Nature of Science
    • The Scientific Process
      • Conducting Investigations
      • Gathering Data
      • Formulating Explanations
      • Communicating Results

Audience

To use this activity, learners need to:

  • see
  • read
  • touch

Learning styles supported:

  • Involves teamwork and communication skills
  • Involves hands-on or lab activities

Other

Includes alignment to state and/or national standards:

This resource is part of:

Access Rights:

  • Free access

By:

  • MacLeish, Marlene Y. ; McLean, Bernice R.

Rights:

  • Public domain, NASA,