Reaction Time as a Physiological Process in Fourth Grade Students

Abstract

This project was designed to educate fourth grade students on the importance of understanding physiology as a sub‐project of the American Physiological Society's PhUn Week. The fourth graders at Dixie Bee Elementary school were exposed to the importance of reaction time and how proprioception and nerve conduction velocity impact reaction time in all individuals. The initial information was presented in an interactive education seminar and then demonstration occurred using applied technology (Biopac MP40). The Biopac MP40 is an interactive tool that helps to show data via the electrical signal released by the nerve and picked up by electrodes, all integrated on a laptop computer. Reaction time activity was obtained synchronizing two signals by Biopac MP40: 1) acoustic signal, via headphones, and 2) electric signal from finger extensors by placing the electrodes on the forearm. The MP40 system integrates both signals determining reaction time. The students were then challenged to perform their reaction time with the Biopac MP40 system by themselves to record data. Finally, students analyzed their own data to contribute to the overall discussion about physiological processes. The students had a wonderful time and were able to describe the idea of proprioception and reaction time at the end of the activity. They documented their slowest and fastest reaction times and used these data on their subsequent sciences classes to plot and analyze data.Supported by IU AHEC 14/15 #PIU081 and APS PhUn week program