REACTION TIME LAB DAY 2 How Do Neurons

REACTION TIME LAB DAY 2

How Do Neurons Communicate? Learning Target Ø Use mathematical thinking to carry out an investigation about neuron messaging. Success Criteria Ø Measure reaction times under distracted vs focused conditions.

LAB PREP 1. After researching, review the lab worksheet to become more familiar with the lab. 2. With your partner, identify the “Variables” (SEE NEXT SLIDE) 3. Write a “Hypothesis” (SEE SLIDE) 4. Raise your hand for your teacher to check before you proceed.

IDENTIFY VARIABLES (IN YOUR NOTEBOOK) What is the difference between the two sets of data? This is… INDEPENDENT VARIABLE. What is the type of data being measured/ observed? This is… DEPENDENT VARIABLE. What is the factors kept the same between trials? This is… CONTROLLED VARIABLES.

WRITE A HYPOTHESIS (IN YOUR NOTEBOOK) Use the Independent & Dependent Variables to write a hypothesis as a “If_______ Then_____ because__________________. If (Explain what is going to happen with the I. V. here), then (Explain What you think will happen to the D. V. here), because (Write why you think your prediction supports scientific laws & concepts).

CONDUCTING THE LAB “GATHER MATERIALS” Materials: Computer Data Tables Some type of distraction Internet access to: http: //www. humanbenchmark. com/tests/reactiontime/ * HERE”S AN ALTERNATIVE SITE IF HUMANBENCHMARK DOESN’T WORK

ACCURATE DATA • Repeat the Lab if your original data is weird because it took you awhile to understand what you were doing • Make sure you and your partner use the exact same distraction for both rounds of “Distracted Reaction Time”

CONDUCTING THE LAB: “DISTRACTED REACTION TIME” 1. Choose a distraction for your partner. 2. Click the BLUE screen to begin. 3. The screen will turn Red. As soon as the screen turns Green, “Right Click” your mouse. (Make sure to “DISTRACT” your partner for the entire 10 trials). 4. The screen will immediately give your reaction time in milliseconds (units ms). Record your time on the “DISTRACTED R. T. ” table. 5. Keep going after 5 trials so you have 10 total. Be sure to record your reaction time after each trial. 6. Record the final average (Listed under your trial time). 7. Repeat for your partner & record their average.

CONDUCTING THE LAB: “FOCUSED REACTION TIME” 1. Click the BLUE screen to begin. 2. The screen will turn Red. As soon as the screen turns Green, “Right Click” your mouse. 3. Record your trial time on the “FOCUSED R. T. ” table. 4. Repeat your trial 10 times & record data after each trial. 5. When done record the average listed under your trial time. 6. Switch roles and repeat for your partner& record their average. 7. Tape your lab sheet into your notebook