Reaction Time: "Quick Communication" Page 3
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PROCEDURE
Evaluate (10 minutes) Reaction Time Sequence Worksheet
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Volunteer students can share the their experiment results with the class.
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Teacher and students discuss differences between left and right hands.
"Why do you think one is faster than the other?" (Greater practice and
use of one hand.) "Did you get faster at catching?" "Do you think we can
improve our reaction times with practice?"
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Discuss reasons why the students’ time might not have improved, like
they were too excited or nervous to concentrate.
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Students complete a handout describing the reaction process and put
steps in sequence.
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See if any students are able to narrate the reaction time sequence.
Math Extensions
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Find class averages for left versus right hands.
Writing Extension
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Relate structural characteristics of the human hand to human behavior.
Humans are animals. Our reaction time is a skill we developed as
predators. How do we use our reaction time in daily life? Sports,
machinery, games, catching objects, etc. Think of times we need to grab
hold of something quickly. How is your reaction time important to you?
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Assess the invention of tools and techniques to solve problems.
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How do today's tools and inventions take into account reaction time in
their design? Brainstorm examples. Stoplights, car brakes and roads all
have reaction time built into their design.
On-line Extension
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The Neuroscience for Kids website has on-line reaction time
experiments that would be a great supplement to this lesson
(particularly for students who finish early).
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Go to and scroll
down to the “How Fast Are You?” section for 3 different on-line reaction
time experiments.
Grade 4: Reaction Time Unit
UNC-CH Brain Explorers
May be reproduced for non-profit educational use only. Please credit source.
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