Activity: Reaction Time

Objectives

• Understand the concept of reaction time
• Understand how various factors can affect an individual's reaction to a stimulus

Procedure

• Ask students "What is reaction time?" Give some examples of when we can observe reaction time.
• Have students hold their hands in front of them palms facing each other.
• Explain that they are to clap their hands as close as they can to when you clap yours.
• Do a few claps.
• Instead of clapping, reach for your ear or some other unexpected move.

Observation

• How did the students react when you clapped your hands?
• How did the students react when you made an unexpected move?
• How many students clapped their hands when you made the unexpected move?

Questions

• How long did it take you to react appropriately?
• Why were some students slower to react than others?
• When is quick reaction time important?
• When does a pilot need to have fast reaction time?
• What can slow down reaction time?