Light, Sound or Touch: Which Signal Gets You Going Faster?

Students compare their reaction time to a visual, an auditory and a touch signal in 5-meter starts filmed in slow motion, and analyze why sound and touch are usually faster than sight. It connects to the nerve pathway of each sense and to starts in track and swimming.

How to play

1. Explain the path of a signal: receptor, afferent pathway, central processing and motor command; collect hypotheses about which signal will be fastest (4 min).
2. Groups of four: one starter in a standing start, one signal giver, one filmer framing both the signal giver and the starter's feet, and one recorder (2 min).
3. Each starter does four 5-meter starts with each signal in random order: dropping a cone the signal giver holds overhead, a clap or whistle, and a tap on the shoulder (12 min).
4. Using the video, count the frames between the signal and the first foot movement and calculate the average for each signal (5 min).
5. Share class averages and explain why track starts use a gun instead of a light (2 min).

Rules

• Start lanes are 10 feet apart with a clear 10-meter stopping zone.
• The shoulder tap is gentle and with an open hand.
• Signals are given in random order to prevent anticipation.
• Each student does their four starts with a one-minute break between blocks.

Variations

Adaptations

• Hearing impairment: compare the visual and touch signals, with a vibrating phone replacing the sound.
• Visual impairment: compare the sound and touch signals and run guided by a taut rope along the lane.
• Wheelchair user: react by pushing the wheels, measuring the first hand movement.

Learning goals

• Compare reaction time to visual, auditory and touch signals.
• Relate the differences to how the nervous system works.
• Apply the results to start technique in different sports.

Equipment for a class of 25

• cones: 14
• tablets or phones: 7
• whistle: 7
• worksheets: 7

Teacher tip

At 240 frames per second the precision is enough to see differences of 30 to 50 milliseconds. Ask the filmer to keep the phone still during each take.

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