Higher or Lower Caffeine: Partner Sprint Duels
Partner reaction duels: the teacher shows two drinks (coffee, cola, energy drink, tea, hot cocoa) and each student sprints toward the side of the one they think has more caffeine. It builds reaction speed and knowledge of caffeine and its effect on sleep.
How to play
- Partners face each other 1 m apart in the middle, with a cone line 10 m away on each side: left is drink A, right is drink B (2 min).
- The teacher shows two cards with drinks in typical serving sizes, such as a 16 oz energy drink versus an espresso shot.
- After 3 seconds and the whistle, each student sprints to the line for the drink with more caffeine. First to the correct line scores.
- After each duel, share the approximate number: that can has about 160 mg and an espresso shot 60-80 mg (2 min total).
- Play 12 duels; every 4, rotate partners to the right (8 min).
- Debrief (3 min): what surprised them most, and why teens are advised to stay under about 100 mg a day and avoid caffeine within 6 hours of bedtime.
Rules
- Go on the whistle; a false start loses the point.
- Each player runs on their own side without crossing.
- Safety: slow down before the line; no diving.
Variations
Easier
Drinks with very big differences and a 6 m distance.
Standard
Twelve duels with typical servings, rotating every four.
Harder
Three drinks, three finish lines, and a seated start facing away.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: finish-line judge, competes in a wheelchair over a shorter distance, or answers by pointing.
- Hearing impairment: an arm drop along with the whistle.
- Fitness level: a 2 m head start for the slower partner.
Learning goals
- React quickly to a visual cue after a decision.
- Know the approximate caffeine in common drinks.
- Connect caffeine intake with sleep.
Equipment for a class of 25
- cards: 24
- cones: 20
- whistle: 1
Teacher tip
Use cards with a picture and serving size, no brand names. Amounts are approximate, and nobody should feel judged for what they drink.
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