Excelsior Space Mission 2006 : Experiment 3- Disorientation Maze

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Experiment 3- Disorientation Maze

PURPOSE: To identify if the astronauts are able to do their work through a mirror.

HYPOTHESIS: The astronauts might find it hard because instead of using left and right they will have to do things backwards. That might effect the way they think and do the maze.

MATERIALS: Disorientation maze, a pencil, a locker mirror, and a timer.

PROCEDURE:
1) Work in partners.
2) Draw a path through maze A without lifting your pencil while your partner times you.
3) Now you have to hold a hand mirror with one hand while you complete maze B. You have to do the maze in the mirror (DO NOT look at the maze or the pencil directly). Have your partner time you.
4) Switch roles and do the activity again.
5) Record your results.

RESULTS: Julia took 6 seconds doing maze A and she took 17 seconds doing maze B. Tessa took 3 seconds doing maze A and she took 19 seconds doing maze B.

OBSERVATIONS: Julia found it easy without the mirror but confusing with the mirror. Tessa said that she found it easy for both of the mazes but with the time difference it would seem that it would of been a little difficult for her to do maze B.

CONCLUSION: The astronauts were able to do their work through a mirror but it took longer because it was just like doing the opposite of what they did in the first place. It is harder because you are doing the opposite of what you are used to doing.
Your body is wired to do things a certain way and when you do this experiment you have to do things differently.

Experiment#3:

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