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Why Do NASCAR Drivers Need to React Fast? (Part 1: Sight)
Is Lesson Plan-Life Science-Elementary-4
Sensemaking Checklist
Lesson Overview
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 one 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