MATHEMATICS LEARNING AREA

EXPLORING REACTION TIMES: A YEAR 9 MATHS PROJECT

The Year 9 Maths class recently embarked on an engaging project that brought together the concepts of data analysis, measurement, and scientific inquiry. The project centered around investigating their own reaction times, using rulers and a formula that connected gravity to time.

Using rulers for precise measurements, students carefully recorded the time it took for them to react to catch a falling ruler. They measured this to the nearest millimetre, emphasising the importance of precision in scientific experiments.

One of the key aspects of the project was ensuring the reliability, accuracy, and precision of their data. To achieve this, students repeated trials to improve accuracy, comparing results to identify any inconsistencies. They also assessed the accuracy of their calculated reaction times by comparing them to their classmates.

By the end of the project, students had not only gained a deeper understanding of reaction times but also honed their skills in data analysis and measurement. They learned the importance of accurate data collection and the need to critically evaluate the reliability, accuracy, and precision of their results.

This project exemplifies the hands-on and inquiry-based approach to learning that is encouraged at our school. It not only strengthens students' mathematical and scientific skills but also fosters a curiosity-driven mindset that is essential for future academic success.

Mr Keegan Blows

Mathematics Learning Area Facilitator