Reaction time test

Watch the video to learn how to test your reaction time

(Adapted from reSolve: Maths by Inquiry )

Transcript

[No sound.]

Hand holds top of 30cm ruler above another hand. The top hand is pinching the top of the ruler at the 30cm mark. The bottom hand has their fingers open to grab just at the bottom of the ruler.

The top hand drops the ruler and the bottom hand catches it.

Text reads - And again... in slow motion.

The same video plays very slowly showing the top hand letting go and the bottom hand grabbing and holding on to the ruler.

Collect resources

You will need:

pencils or markers
your mathematics workbook
30cm ruler.

Instructions

To conduct the test, one person holds the ruler up reasonably high. The zero mark on the ruler is at the bottom.
The reacting person places finger and thumb at the bottom of the ruler, not touching but ready to grab.
At an unpredictable time, the first person drops the ruler.
The reacting person catches it between their finger and thumb, and reads the distance below the thumb.
Conduct the test 5 times and record the results.
Convert the data into times using the ruler drop reaction time chart.

Investigate

Draw a number line showing the reactions times.
Circle your fastest and slowest reaction times.
What is the difference between them?
Explore how does your reaction time compare with other people in your family?

Share/submit

Share your work with your class on your digital platform.