Ask Ollie
Ruler Drop Reaction Test
Here's one to try together!
How fast are your fingers? Drop a ruler and find out who catches it first!
Reviewed by our team.
Safety first
- Minimal risk; ruler is dropped so make sure it is not a sharp-edged or metal ruler and that nobody is hit by it
- Possible minor finger pinch or sting from fast catches with a hard ruler
What you need
- Paper, 1 or more sheets for the results table
- Crayons or markers, 1 pencil or marker per person
- Ruler, 1 plastic or wooden, 30 cm
How to do it
Grown-up prep: Grab a plastic or wooden ruler with soft edges, not a metal one. Clear a bit of space so two people can sit or stand facing each other.
- Draw a results table with a row for each catcher.
- Sit facing your partner. They hold the ruler straight up, zero end down.
- Drop the ruler without warning, and pinch it as fast as you can! Ask: How far do you think the ruler will fall before you catch it?
- Read the number at the top of your fingers.
- Do five catches with your first hand and write each number down.
- Add up your five numbers and divide by five to get your average.
- Now try your other hand and compare it with the first one. Ask: Do you think your other hand will be faster or slower?
- Practice a little, then catch again while someone chats to you.
- Name the fastest catcher! Swap roles, or invite someone else to try. Ask: What do you think helped you catch fastest, and who could you challenge next?
Play it again
- Distraction round: the catcher counts backward from 20 while catching.
- Team challenge: add up everyone's averages and try to beat the family record.
- Switch it up: use a thumb and one other finger, or try catching with the fingers on the other side.
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