National Science Teaching Association: Why Do NASCAR Drivers Need to React Fast? (Part 1: Sight)
National Science Teaching Association: Why Do NASCAR Drivers Need to React Fast? (Part 1: Sight)
NASCAR drivers move along the track at speeds of more than 200 mph.
How much time do these race car drivers have to react to avoid trouble ahead? Middle school students conduct an investigation to determine their own reaction rates and use systems thinking to explain how seeing “trouble” and reacting appropriately to it can occur in less than 1 second!
Materials
- Video Reaction time lab + Dollar Bill challenge from 1:08 to 1:38
- Video 2021 NASCAR All-Star Race/ NASCAR on Fox Highlights from 0:15 to 0:55
- Meter sticks
- Dollar bill or photocopy of dollar bill
- Measuring tape (the longer the better)
- Lab Handout: Reaction Time
- Reference: Time and Distance
NASCAR, National Science Teaching Association
Science Topics
Anatomy & Physiology, Physics, Sports
K-6, Educator
3rd Grade, 4th Grade, 5th Grade
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National Science Teaching Association
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National Science Teaching Association: Why Do NASCAR Drivers Need to React Fast? (Part 1: Sight)
NASCAR drivers move along the track at speeds of more than 200 mph.
How much time do these race car drivers have to react to avoid trouble ahead? Middle school students conduct an investigation to determine their own reaction rates and use systems thinking to explain how seeing “trouble” and reacting appropriately to it can occur in less than 1 second!
Materials
- Video Reaction time lab + Dollar Bill challenge from 1:08 to 1:38
- Video 2021 NASCAR All-Star Race/ NASCAR on Fox Highlights from 0:15 to 0:55
- Meter sticks
- Dollar bill or photocopy of dollar bill
- Measuring tape (the longer the better)
- Lab Handout: Reaction Time
- Reference: Time and Distance
NASCAR, National Science Teaching Association
Science Topics
Anatomy & Physiology, Physics, Sports
K-6, Educator
3rd Grade, 4th Grade, 5th Grade
Download PDFs
Descriptions of PDFs
Download PDF
What are you looking for?
Organization
National Science Teaching Association
Website URL
Type of Resource
Lesson Plan
PDF File
PDF File