Experiment #2

Check your reaction time!

Supplies you will need for this experiment!

Markers at least six different colors.
scissors, ruler, and white paper!



Step one: Draw around the ruler on the paper.




Second Step: Cut out the strip.




Step Three: Mark six equal lines two inches apart on the strip of paper.





Step Four: Color each differnt part six different colors.





Step five: Have the person holding the strip let go and the other person has to catch it as fast as they can. The color you grab tells you the reaction time. The closer you are to the top the slower the reaction you have the closer you are to the bottom the faster the reaction time. Here is an example.

This is my daughter and i doing the experiment reaction time!

Reaction Time

Reaction Time

Your reaction time can mean life or death. Think of it in the animal kingdom when a predator attacks its prey or is hunting its prey. The preys reaction time either allows the prey to escape or become dinner. When a person is faced with an emergency its their reaction time that either gets them out of harms way or puts them in danger. There are so many instances where your reaction time is important. The best way to improve your reaction time is to practice. Have plans set up prior to an emergency for example a fire or a tornado plan. Have emergency kits ready in your home, in your car, and practice with your family. Your family can even take a CPR and first aid class to be better prepared in case of an emergency. Reaction time is not only important but it can be the difference between life and death.

Some factors that affect reaction time are age, experience, fitness, illness, pre-occupation, distraction, mood, drugs/medication, alcohol, tobacco, poor vision, and poor hearing. Our reflexes are at their best when we are in our teens and twenties, though older people can maintain their reflexes more if they stay alert and exercise regularly.

Lesson Plan and Standards

Check Your Reaction Time: Lesson plan and standards

Extended Resources:

Allison Hayes experiment on Reaction Time!