Measuring Reaction Time
Summary
In the physics lab, students investigate each other's reaction time by measuring how far a ruler falls before they can catch it. Students use Excel to check and interpret the data. Each pair of students is responsible for turning in a lab report describing the procedure they used and the results they discovered.
CollapseLearning Goals
This particular lab has three main goals:
1. To introduce students to using the computer for lab write-ups and data analysis.
2. For students to measure reaction time.
3. To measure the acceleration due to gravity.
1. To introduce students to using the computer for lab write-ups and data analysis.
2. For students to measure reaction time.
3. To measure the acceleration due to gravity.
Context for Use
This is a indoor lab that should take only about 30-40 minutes for students to complete if they have had Excel experience in the past. Students are to work in groups of 2 to 3. This works best for classes with 20-24 students in them. Students need a meter stick and a computer. If students have not had Excel experience this lab might take a little extra time but the directions for Excel are built right into this lab.
Description and Teaching Materials
You could introduce this lab a couple of different ways. If you and talking about free falling objects you can use reaction time to confirm the acceleration due to gravity. I like to use it as a introduction to physics lab where students get to use the computer to analyze data and become familiar with measuring.
Teaching Notes and Tips
Try to assign groups so that you have at least one person in each group that has used Excel before.
Assessment
Each group has a Lab report to turn in at the end of each lab. I specify what I want in the report. Things I ask for are results, possible error, method, theory and conclusion.
Standards
9-12 I B.4 Describing possible error in an experiment.
9-12 II D.2 Describe friction and gravity motion
9-12 II E.2 Identify Dominant forces
9-12 II D.2 Describe friction and gravity motion
9-12 II E.2 Identify Dominant forces