Scientists write up reports describing their experiments. Use the flowing format to write
up your Investigation Report. Type report on computer or write the final draft of your
report on white lined paper in PEN. Label each section and underline it. Skip a line
between each section.
NAME: ________________________________________
Date:__________________
INVESTIGATION – What affects reaction time?
Research Question:
Does __________________________________ affect reaction time?
Hypothesis: (Tell what you think the results of your investigation will be and why.)
Materials used:
 Plastic ruler (or metal, wood - depending on what you chose)
 Distance/Reaction Time conversion chart
 Recording sheet / Data Table
 Graph Paper
Procedure:
List the steps to follow: (be very specific so other researchers could repeat your test
exactly.)
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
To make this a fair test we controlled specific variables. (List with bullets. Tell the
variables you controlled and kept constant in your experiment. Example: we used the same
ruler for each trial and rested our elbow on the desk as the ruler was dropped.)
Controlled Variables:

Other Variables:
Independent Variables:

Dependent Variables:

Results: (what happened in your investigation.)
See Data Tables and Graph
 This section should include your data tables, and graph
 All tables, graphs and charts should be labeled appropriately.
Conclusion:
 Tell what question you were answering in your investigation. Refer back to your
hypothesis, and tell why it was your hypothesis.
 Tell if your hypothesis was supported or not supported by the data. Be sure to include
examples of the data that support or don’t support the hypothesis. If results are
inconsistent, explain.
 Include a summary of the data:
- Did all your subjects have the same reaction time for each of the different tests you
ran? OR Were the subjects’ reaction times different for the two different tests you did?
If so how?
- What were the average reaction times? Were the results consistent between subjects?
Reflection:
 Was your data reliable? Did you control all the variables in your investigation carefully?
 Think about possible errors that could have occurred in the collection of data
(experimental errors)
 Think about why your investigation may have produced data that was incorrect.
 Tell how your investigation could be improved. Put ideas for improving your experiment to
get more accurate data or to give you more confidence in your conclusion.
Name: __________________________________________________
Date: ______________
Brain Explorers: Reaction Time - Student Worksheet
Word Box
Eye
Muscle
Visual Cortex
Motor Cortex
Spinal Cord
The words in the word box name the parts of your body involved in creating a response (ex. catching a
falling object). Put the words in order according to how they are used in the body.
1. _______________________________
2. _______________________________
3. _______________________________
4. _______________________________
5. _______________________________
Now use these words, in the proper sequence, to write a paragraph describing the process that allowed
you to catch the ruler. Tell how the brain and senses worked together.
________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
Rubric for Embedded Task Work / Investigation
LAB REPORT ITEMS
Component 1 Work: Getting Ready
 Detailed brainstorming list of factors that might affect reaction time
 Fully completed Noticing/Wondering Activity
 Developed a scientific question to study
Component 2: Planning the investigation and collecting the data
 Questions 1 – 5 and 7 completed in detail
Tables:
 Titles given, all sections/headings labeled, correct measurement units given;
(times, distances); averages calculated correctly and rounded to the nearest
hundredth
Graph:
 Title given, both axes labeled, bars drawn appropriately, spacing between
bars consistent, correct use of capitalization for title and labels
Final Lab Report:
 Research Question clearly stated (5 pts.)
 Hypothesis Given and full explanation of why you think as you do (5 pts.)
 Materials Used in an organized list (5 pts.)
 Procedure: All steps clearly listed in the exact order needed to conduct the
lab; steps listed in complete sentences in detail (10 pts.)
 Statement of “fair test”; controlled, independent and dependent variables
listed with accuracy (5 pts.)
 Results Section: Tables, Graphs included in report (5 pts.)
 Conclusion: Refers back to hypothesis, explains results in detail (5 pts.)
Points
Possible
5
10
10
10
45
Points
Earned

Reflection: explains reliability of results and how investigation could be
improved (5 pts.)
Neatness:
 Report typed or handwritten neatly in pen, all papers organized in correct
order
Mechanics:
 Paper has been proofread for correct spelling, grammar, and punctuation
Participation:
 Worked cooperatively, efficiently, and equally with group members
Brain - Reaction Time Worksheet
 Worksheet completed; paragraph explanation detailed and uses all required
terms clearly and accurately
TOTAL Points Possible/
Earned:
Comments:
5
5
5
5
100