getting physic-al

reactions in real life

Tamara Brennan

Teacher - Physics

Year 10 Science at BSC includes a unit of work on kinematics, a branch of Physics. Students complete a practical investigation on driver reaction times to give them an insight into the real life application of their study. This involves each student sitting in a virtual driver’s seat while their classmates collect data measuring their braking reaction time to a stimulus both with and without distractions.

During this exercise, students are distracted by texting, phone calls and rogue passengers, much like what they’ll encounter when they begin driving on our roads in the coming years. The students took their observations and analysed their data.

Using scientific calculations based on how far a car can travel before it begins to slow down, they could conclude that distraction substantially increase the distance a car travel before coming to a stop. This provoked quality discussion among students and demonstrated the absolute relevance of physics to daily life.

Coupled with a TAC advertisement following a similar theme, students leave the classroom with a deeper and respect appreciation for road safety and behaving as a responsible vehicle driver and passenger.

Harry Nguyen

Year 10

This experiment tested our reaction time . I have learned that when you are in the car you shouldn't have things that will distract you easily. Once you take your eyes off the road, in a matter of seconds, you could crash.

Sarah Poskus

Year 10

This experiment showed us the force and time it takes to brake in a car. It also showed how easy it is to get distracted by an object while driving.

Imogen Williams

Year 10

I learned that when you are paying attention your reaction time is quick, whereas when distracted your reaction time is slow. When driving , your reaction time could cost you your life or that of someone else. It was interesting to use the rules of physics to calculate the results of irresponsible driving.