Ruler Drop Reaction Time Lab, Bar Graph, Variables, Low Prep STEM Lab Worksheets, Florida 8th Grade Science, Middle School Printable

Who has the faster reaction time? In this low prep STEM lab, partners drop a 30 cm ruler for each other, 5 trials each. Students use a Reaction Time Chart to turn catch distance into seconds, average their trials, make a 2-bar bar graph, and decide which student is faster. All you need is a ruler and a desk. Takes 1 class period.

Students practice:
- Tested Variable (Independent), Outcome Variable (Dependent), and Kept the Same (Constants)
- Repeated trials and finding averages
- Converting data with a chart
- Making and reading a bar graph
- Understanding that a LOWER reaction time means FASTER (a built-in callout box and Knowledge Check target this common mix-up)
- How the eyes, brain, nerves, and muscles work together

What's inside (12 pages):
- Table of contents with print settings
- Teacher page: Florida benchmarks, materials, setup, and safety
- 2-page answer key
- 4 full-page student lab worksheets:
- Part 1: Safety and Procedure
- Part 2: Data Table and Averages
- Part 3: Bar Graph
- Part 4: Conclusion and Knowledge Check
- Interactive notebook version of all 4 parts

Why teachers like it:
- Low prep: a ruler and a desk, nothing else
- Full-page lab worksheets or notebook version, both in one product
- Dyslexia-friendly OpenDyslexic font on student pages
- Black-and-white friendly, easy print at 100% scale
- Great Nature of Science review for the Grade 8 Statewide Science Assessment

Florida benchmarks (NGSSS): SC.8.N.1.1 (scientific investigation), SC.6.N.1.1, SC.8.N.1.2 (repeated trials), SC.7.N.1.4 (test and outcome variables). Also fits SC.6.L.14.5, SC.6.P.13.1, and SC.7.N.1.1.

All text and graphics are original. Font: OpenDyslexic (SIL Open Font License). For single-classroom use; buy the multiple license to share with colleagues. Not affiliated with or endorsed by the Florida Department of Education.

This is a digital download. No physical item will be shipped. Open the PDF and print on US Letter paper.

Created with the help of AI tools under my direction, then reviewed and edited by me, a Florida 8th grade science teacher, for accuracy.