TRY THIS OUT! Look below for tips. Then go to the next slide.
DISCUSS:
Why did it look like there was a hole in your hand? Any ideas?
Hint...
Try the experiment again. This time, find out what each eye sees by closing each eye one at a time (while keeping the other eye open).
QUICK EXPERIMENT (PART 1 of 4)
Teacher: choose a volunteer to quickly read these words out loud to the class.
QUICK EXPERIMENT (PART 2 of 4)
Teacher: have the same volunteer say the COLOR of each word out loud. What do you notice?
QUICK EXPERIMENT (PART 3 of 4)
Now everyone try! Get into partners. Listen as your partner reads the words out loud. Then switch jobs.
QUICK EXPERIMENT (PART 4 of 4)
Now listen as your partner says the COLOR of each word. Make sure they get them all right! Then switch jobs.
DISCUSS:
Which task was harder--reading the words, or saying the colors?
Why do you think that one was so hard to do?
In this lesson, students explore the brain’s role in receiving information from the senses, processing that information, and controlling the muscles to enable movement. In the activity, Think Fast!, students test their reflexes with two very quick experiments and one more involved activity. They learn about how we process information in our brains and then respond to that information in different ways.
Preview activityThink Fast! worksheet | 1 per student |
Blank Paper (8.5 x 11")
|
1 sheet per student |
Rulers
|
1 ruler per pair |
We suggest students work in pairs. Homeschool students will need a partner for the activities.
Each pair of students will need a table or desk.
Student slideshow: English | Spanish
Teacher printout: English & Spanish
In this reading, adapted from an episode of the podcast "Science Update," students learn if reading in dim light can impact your eyesight.
For a limited time, view archived reading extensions here.
Catch a dollar bill
Try the “Think Fast” activity again -- but instead of a ruler, use a dollar bill. Start with the catcher’s thumb and finger in the middle of the bill. Remind the catcher that they can’t move until they SEE the bill drop.
The typical human reaction time is about ¼ second. That’s long enough for the 6-inch bill to fall completely through the catcher's fingers!
You can elaborate student learning and engagement with Mystery Science mini-lessons.
Why do some people get carsick? In this mini-lesson students learn how confusing signals to our brains may be the cause of motion sickness.
How do optical illusions trick us? In this mini-lesson students learn how our brains get confused with optical illusions.
If you are in an NGSS state, these mini-lessons support the DCI LS1.D: Information Processing
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