Mirror Image

Source Institutions

University of Minnesota

In this activity, learners investigate procedural memory. Procedural memory is the type of memory called upon when performing skills, learned behaviors, or procedures such as tying a shoelace or riding a bicycle. Learners perform a task that involves procedural memory and discover that repetition is key to becoming efficient at the task.

Preparation Time:: 5 to 10 minutes
Learning Time:: 45 to 60 minutes
Estimated Materials Cost:: $1 - $5 per student
Age Range:: Ages 8 - 18
Resource Types:: Activity, Experiment/Lab Activity, Lesson/Lesson Plan
Language:: English

Materials List (per student)

hand-held rectangular mirror
stopwatch (optional - for extension)
index card
worksheet (or list of questions on the board)
copy of sheet with 6 different shapes to trace (or their own drawings to trace)
copy of sheet with 9 repeats of one shape to trace (optional)
copy of Mirror Image Experiment (optional - for extension)
extra copies of shapes (optional - for extension)

Keywords

Subjects

Life Sciences
- Human Body
  - The Brain and Nervous System
- Human Senses and Perception
  - Vision
  - Perception
Physical Sciences
- Light and Optics
  - Lenses and Mirrors
The Nature of Science
- The Scientific Process
  - Conducting Investigations

Audience

To use this activity, learners need to:

see
read
touch

Learning styles supported:

Involves hands-on or lab activities

Other

Components that are part of this resource:

Includes alignment to state and/or national standards

Includes assesments for student learning

Student Assessment Assessment options are located on page 1 of PDF

This resource is part of:

Classroom Experiments

Access Rights:

Free access

By:

Department of Neuroscience, BrainU, University of Minnesota; Science Museum of Minnesota

Rights:

Funding Sources:

SEPA (Science Education Partnership Award) supported by the National Center for Research Resources, a part of the National Institutes of Health
SEDAPA
ARRA