Reaction-time lab
Measure reaction time under different conditions and record the data.
Reaction-time data table with baseline and distraction conditions, all trials with units, condition averages computed, and any outliers flagged with notes.
- 1Do thisMeasure reaction time under different conditions and record the data.
- 2Use this resource
- 3Submit thisData table: Reaction-time data table with baseline and distraction conditions, all trials with units, condition averages computed, and any outliers flagged with notes.
- 4Submit it here
- 1CMSD website. Go to clevelandmetroschools.org and click the Clever button.
- 2Clever. Clever opens. Sign in if it asks.
- 3Microsoft (district) login. Use your district Microsoft account (the one for school).
- 4Schoology. Open Schoology, then your class, then Assignments, and find the file named below.
The file to submit is named: Human Anatomy & Physiology (Human Body Systems) › Unit 2.1 Reflexes: Drug impacts on neuron signaling, reflex and reaction time, patient diagnosis challenge. › Data tableOpen Schoology
- CER:
- Claim, Evidence, Reasoning — make a claim, back it with evidence, explain your reasoning.
- SOP:
- Standard Operating Procedure — the exact steps to follow (especially in a lab).
- Tracker:
- Your PLTW progress log where you record completed evidence.
- myPLTW:
- The PLTW course site where you do the online activities — you open it through Schoology.
Minute-by-minute · 80-minute block
💡 Big idea: Reaction time is a measurable physiological variable that reflects the speed of the entire neural pathway from stimulus detection to motor response.
- 0-8Setup and one practice trial; establish consistent drop protocol
- 8-20Baseline condition: five trials, record time in ms or cm
- 20-35Distraction condition: five trials with secondary task, record
- 35-50Compute condition averages; flag outliers with notes
- 50-65Peer-check: units present in every row? Averages calculated correctly?
- 65-75Add qualitative observation column: describe how distraction felt
- 75-80Submit data table
- • Today you measure how fast your nervous system works. Reaction time is the total time from stimulus to motor response.
- • We run two conditions: baseline and distracted. The distraction condition adds cognitive load, so the signal has to compete with other processing.
- • Record every trial with units. Compute the average for each condition. Mark any trial you consider an outlier and say why.
- • Your data table today feeds directly into Thursday analysis. Clean data now saves time Thursday.
- 1Set up the ruler-drop or digital reaction-time test and practice once.
- 2Run baseline trials and record each reaction time in a data table.
- 3Repeat trials with a distraction condition (such as a second task).
- 4Average each condition and note which was slower.
- 5Submit your reaction-time data table with both conditions and averages.
- • You can collect reaction-time data with units across conditions.
- • You can compute and compare condition averages.
- • Ruler-drop method converts distance (cm) to time (ms) using free-fall kinematics; digital tools measure time directly. Both require consistent protocol for valid comparison.
- • A distraction condition (dual-task) increases reaction time because it adds processing load on higher cortical areas, illustrating that conscious processing adds latency beyond the basic reflex arc.
- • Computing a condition average requires recording at least five trials per condition and discarding obvious outliers (fumbled catch, early release).
Your PLTW work today
Unit 2.1 Reflexes: Drug impacts on neuron signaling, reflex and reaction time, patient diagnosis challenge. · Reaction-time lab
Day 3 of this lesson. Open this exact section in myPLTW (reached through Schoology), then do the work below.
Do this: Complete any lab-day check-in or data-entry prompt in Lesson 2.1 Getting Nervous on myPLTW that corresponds to today's reaction-time lab; log it alongside your in-class measurements.
Mark the lab task complete after submitting your reaction-time data table.
Reflex-arc task is done; today the lab task should show complete alongside your data table.
myPLTW completion status plus submitted data table.
All PLTW activities are completed inside the PLTW course environment — this page only gives direction. Submit producibles on Schoology.
Today's PLTW tracker
Check things off as you work, then submit. This tells Mr. Mendoza how you're doing so he can help the class. It does not replace turning in your producible on Schoology.
Use the code Mr. Mendoza gave you, not your name. Saved on this device.
Unit 2.1 Reflexes: Drug impacts on neuron signaling, reflex and reaction time, patient diagnosis challenge. · Reaction-time lab
Complete any lab-day check-in or data-entry prompt in Lesson 2.1 Getting Nervous on myPLTW that corresponds to today's reaction-time lab; log it alongside your in-class measurements.
Reflex-arc task is done; today the lab task should show complete alongside your data table.
This is how Mr. Mendoza sees the class keeping pace with PLTW. Be honest, it only helps if it is accurate.
🎯 Measure reaction time under different conditions and record the data.
- Set up the ruler-drop or digital reaction-time test and practice once.
- Run baseline trials and record each reaction time in a data table.
- Repeat trials with a distraction condition (such as a second task).
- Average each condition and note which was slower.
- Submit your reaction-time data table with both conditions and averages.
Data table: Reaction-time data table with baseline and distraction conditions, all trials with units, condition averages computed, and any outliers flagged with notes.
Submit on SchoologyUpload by 11:29 PM for full credit.
| Task | Who |
|---|---|
| Set up the ruler-drop or digital reaction-time test and practice once. | _______ |
| Run baseline trials and record each reaction time in a data table. | _______ |
| Repeat trials with a distraction condition (such as a second task). | _______ |
| Average each condition and note which was slower. | _______ |
| Submit your reaction-time data table with both conditions and averages. | _______ |
Working solo? Put your own name in "Who" for every row.
- You can collect reaction-time data with units across conditions.
- You can compute and compare condition averages.
Resources & readings
Vetted readings and references for this unit. Use them to prepare, to catch up if you were absent, or to go deeper on today's target.
Lab & supplies
- • Do not test reaction time in conditions that could cause injury (e.g., on a stairway or near equipment).
- • The ruler-drop test should be conducted while seated to avoid falls if the subject lunges for the ruler.
- • Do not use this lab to make medical claims about cognitive impairment.
WebXam practice
Cumulative WebXam review
A quick mixed-review pulling questions from earlier units plus today, so the WebXam material stays fresh.
Where this leads — careers
What today's skills lead to. These are real health-science careers this course builds toward. Tap one to see, on the US Department of Labor's O*NET site, what the job actually involves, what it pays, and how fast it is growing.
What to do if you were absent
Use the linked simulation or the online ruler-drop method to record reaction-time trials in a baseline and a distraction condition, build a data table with averages, and submit it.
PhET SimulationsThen submit your Data table on Schoology.
Class still runs. Complete the online activity above (it's self-guided). Need the concept taught without a teacher? Use this authoritative explainer:
Khan Academy: Neurons and Synapses- CompleteEvery required part of the artifact is present, nothing left blank.
- AccurateThe science and the data are correct and match the evidence.
- Scientific reasoningYou explain your claim with evidence and reasoning (CER), not just an answer.
- Professional communicationClear, organized, labeled, and written the way a clinician or scientist would.
- SubmittedTurned in the right way (Schoology for routine work) and confirmed.
Drop your Fri, Oct 16, 2026 · Reaction-time lab here. Use a clear file name (your initials + project). Routine work still goes to Schoology (via the CMSD portal).
Upload a project