<aside> ℹ️ Reaction time is the duration between the moment a stimulus is presented to an individual and the moment they produce a response. This measure is used to assess human reaction performance to visual, auditory or tactile stimuli. Reaction time can vary depending on a number of factors, such as age, wakefulness, attention and motivation. Reaction speed can be measured for simple responses such as visual detection or hand movement, but also for more complex responses such as decision making or problem solving. Reaction time is important for safety in situations that require a rapid response, such as driving, high-level sports and professional activities. By understanding reaction time, we can improve human performance in a variety of areas.
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This project is an activity to follow up on the project "Is Your Reaction Time Less Than Half a Second?" It initially includes the same steps that are included here for the sake of completeness. In this project, our goal is to conduct a scientific experiment to measure our reaction time to an audio or visual signal in a distracting environment, such as the sound of loud music or a person diverting our attention. To do this, we will create an experimental device by connecting different electronic components to a programmable board and run it with an appropriate program. Then, we will collect data and analyze it to measure our reaction time for different cases of distraction, just like real scientists and researchers! In this particular case, we want to study the following scientific question: "Can distraction modify your reaction time?" To answer this, we must first build a simple device with a board, a push button, and a buzzer or an LED.
This experimentation allows us to approach different concepts of the curriculum in an interdisciplinary way. Firstly, it allows us to explore, in the physics learning, the measurement of reaction time, which is an important concept in science as well as in daily life. Students can learn to measure reaction time to different stimuli, such as audio or visual signals, and understand how this time can be influenced by different variables, such as distraction, fatigue, age, or motivation. They can also learn to use sensors to measure reaction time accurately.
Next, this project allows us to address programming and electronics concepts. Students will learn to program a programmable board such as the STM32 IoT Node Board to control different electronic components such as the push button, buzzer, and LED. This includes creating electronic circuits and using a breadboard to connect the different components and using connection cables to connect them to the programmable board. By learning to program and use electronic components, students can acquire useful skills in many fields, such as computer science, engineering, and robotics.
Finally, this project allows us to practice the scientific method. Students will learn to formulate a relevant scientific question, design an experiment to answer it, collect data rigorously, and analyze it to draw conclusions. They can also learn to communicate their results in the form of a report or presentation, using graphs or tables to illustrate their results.
To carry out this activity, you will need the following equipment: