A blank nine-step write-up with the correct table headings. Print it for a real lesson and fill it in by hand. See the specimen lab book
Blank write-up: Reaction time
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Study Hack Lab
RP 7 · Biology
Reaction time
Write-up template
Name
Date
Course
GCSE Biology
Board and specification
AQA GCSE Biology (8461), 4.5.2.1AQA GCSE Combined Science: Trilogy (8464), 4.5.2Apparatus and techniques: AT 1, AT 3, AT 4
Class and teacher
Aim
Plan and carry out an investigation into the effect of a factor on your reaction time, using the ruler-drop test.
Contents
Plan and risk assessment
Apparatus
Method
Results
Graph
Analysis
Conclusion and evaluation
Make safe and clear up
A blank write-up for use in a real lesson. The headings follow the AQA required practical; the readings are yours to take. Layout v1, practical v2. Original material; not affiliated with AQA, which has not reviewed it.
1 Plan and risk assessment
You see the ruler move (receptor: the eye), a nerve impulse travels along a sensory neurone to the brain, which decides to catch, then along a motor neurone to the muscles of your thumb and finger (effectors). Meanwhile the ruler falls from rest, d = ½gt², so the distance it falls before you catch it measures your reaction time. With d in cm, g = 980 cm/s².
t = √(2d / g)
Variables
Independent (you change)
Dependent (you measure)
Control (you keep the same)
Prediction
About how far will the ruler fall before you catch it?
You will choose one factor to test when you collect your apparatus: practice, which hand, a distraction or caffeine. How do you expect a factor like these to change reaction time?
Is catching the ruler a reflex action?
Risk assessment
Hazard
Harm it could cause
Control
2 Apparatus
Metre rule (resolution 1 mm (read to 0.5 cm at the thumb)) Dropped and caught: the distance it falls measures your reaction time.
Chair and table Sit upright with your forearm resting on the table.
Safety goggles For the person dropping the ruler.
Conversion table Converts the distance fallen to a reaction time.
Results table and pencil Record every catch as you go.
Your catching hand and a partner Your partner holds the rule at the top and drops it with no warning. You catch it with your thumb and first finger.
3 Method
Write numbered steps someone else could follow. Say what you measure, with which instrument, and how you keep it a fair test.
4 Results
The table is drawn before you measure. Record each reading to the resolution of the instrument, then work out the mean of your repeats, leaving out any anomaly.
Ten attempts with the weaker hand · Recorded from the very first catch. The reaction time for attempt 4 is left blank: you convert that one yourself in Analyse.
Attempt
Ruler reading in cm
Reaction time in s
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Means · Leave out any anomalous catch. The mean reaction time is worked out from the mean distance.
Attempts
Mean ruler reading in cm
Mean reaction time in ms
Attempts 1–5
Attempts 6–10
Anomalies
Ring any anomalous result. Say what probably went wrong and whether you repeated it.
5 Graph
This practical has no graph: summarise your results in a sentence.
6 Analysis
Convert a reading to a time
Find the distance in the conversion table and read the reaction time beside it.
Answer
Mean ruler reading
mean = sum of the readings ÷ number of readings
Answer
Mean reaction time (Higher)
t = √(2d / g), with d in cm and g = 980 cm/s²
Answer
Show your results
Answer
7 Conclusion and evaluation
Conclusion
Conclusion: what do your results show? Use your own numbers.
Sources of error
For each, say whether it is systematic or random, and how it affected your results.
Zero not level with the top of the thumb at the start
Reading at the bottom of the thumb
Warning the catcher before the drop
Thumb and finger opened wide
Arm not supported
Getting quicker with practice during the record
Natural variation from one catch to the next
Only one person tested
Improvement
How could you improve the method? Say why it would help.
8 Make safe and clear up
Stand the metre rule back in the rack (never leave it on the floor)
Take off the goggles and return them
Give your results a code instead of a name before you share them with the class