Science Club: Reaction Time

This month our science club studied reaction time. This was possibly the simplest experiment we've ever done, but the kids really enjoyed it.

I gave each child a ruler, which they were allowed to keep, and a chart so they could keep track of everyone's results. They tested their parents by dropping the ruler and seeing how fast they could catch it, then trying again while their parents' eyes were closed and again with eyes open but the child talking to the parent to distract them.  Then they switched roles to see if the kids could be faster than their parents. The parents and kids all enjoyed this simple experiment, and it's one that will be easy for them to do again at home.