3-TAS-05 Sundials and Reactions
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Contents
Outcomes
- Pupils understand the concept of reaction time, the factors that affect it and can recall one way of measuring reaction time.
Specification References
1.17 describe the factors affecting vehicle stopping distance including speed, mass, road condition and reaction time
Starter
- To introduce the concept of reaction time, use a fake 'fiver' and drop it between a pupil's thumb and first finger to see if they can catch it.
Main Body of Lesson
- To guide the lesson, there is a power point presentation
- Make and use reaction timers; high ability worksheet and low ability.
- Discuss factors affecting reaction time. A nice game can be found here and here. There is a really nice web site to simulate reation time and stopping distances, if the right software is available.
Plenary
- The AA have a nice multiple choice reaction time test
- Wordsearch - this can be found at the end of the power point presentation
Homework
- For their homework the pupils will need to use this web site and answer the questions in this worksheet.
Additional Information
Resources Required
- A class set of 50cm rulers, masking tape and scissors.
Textbook References
Website References
- to use some of the sundials you will require the latitude, you can find this at this not so nice web site or just stand outside and use a GPS.
- Or ask Alby: Broadfield is at 51° 14' 11.27"N (0° 11' 32.83"W).
- excellent sundial website with all resources can be found at
Skills Addressed
Safety/Hazards
- Craft equipment, particularly any knives or scissors, please see the risk assessment about using Knives and sharp objects
Notes
As an extension to the lesson work can be done on sundials:
- Pupils can explain how a sundial is used to measure time.
As a starter:
- Display images of different sundials, progressing through time; Show time-lapse video of sundial, an examples can be found here, here, here and here
For the main activity:
- Make a basic sundial, which will need to be printed on card first:
Equipment required for the making of sundials:
- Sundial kits, images and videos of sundials, craft equipment
