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Why Do NASCAR Drivers Need to React Fast? (Part 2: Sound)
Is Lesson Plan Life Science Elementary Grade 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? In Part 2 of this lesson, students use systems thinking to predict which of their senses—sight or sound—causes them to react most quickly to the same situation. Students conduct an investigation to gather evidence to support or refute their claim, then consider how NASCAR teams use their knowledge of how our bodies react to sights and sounds to speed up their drivers’ reaction rates.
Materials
- Video—Reaction time lab + Dollar Bill challenge from 1:08 to 1:38
- Video—NASCAR Racing with Spotter Audio CH9RACING Pro Truck
- Meter sticks (one per group of three)
- Dollar bill or photocopy of dollar bill
- Measuring tape (the longer, the better)
- Lab Handout—Reaction Time
- Reference—Time and Distance