Science project
Walking in Circles
Grade Level: 6th to 8th; Type: Human Biology
Objective:
This project explores whether or not human beings will walk in circles rather than a straight line if deprived of any points of reference.
Research Question:
- Do blindfolded subjects told to walk in a straight line consistently walk in circles?
It has long been a popular belief that human beings, deprived of any points of reference (such as lost in a desert) will, thinking they are going in a straight line, actually walk in circles. This belief has recently been scientifically corroborated, but the exact cause for the phenomenon is still uncertain.
Materials:
- Large, flat, quiet, open space
- Test subjects
- Blindfold
Experimental Procedure:
- Blindfold the test subject.
- Tell the subject to walk continuously in a straight line.
- Observe the path the subject takes.
- Repeat for all subjects.
Terms/Concepts: walking in circles, point of reference
References:
Disclaimer and Safety Precautions
Education.com provides the Science Fair Project Ideas for informational purposes only. Education.com does not make any guarantee or representation regarding the Science Fair Project Ideas and is not responsible or liable for any loss or damage, directly or indirectly, caused by your use of such information. By accessing the Science Fair Project Ideas, you waive and renounce any claims against Education.com that arise thereof. In addition, your access to Education.com's website and Science Fair Project Ideas is covered by Education.com's Privacy Policy and site Terms of Use, which include limitations on Education.com's liability.
Warning is hereby given that not all Project Ideas are appropriate for all individuals or in all circumstances. Implementation of any Science Project Idea should be undertaken only in appropriate settings and with appropriate parental or other supervision. Reading and following the safety precautions of all materials used in a project is the sole responsibility of each individual. For further information, consult your state's handbook of Science Safety.
Education.com provides the Science Fair Project Ideas for informational purposes only. Education.com does not make any guarantee or representation regarding the Science Fair Project Ideas and is not responsible or liable for any loss or damage, directly or indirectly, caused by your use of such information. By accessing the Science Fair Project Ideas, you waive and renounce any claims against Education.com that arise thereof. In addition, your access to Education.com's website and Science Fair Project Ideas is covered by Education.com's Privacy Policy and site Terms of Use, which include limitations on Education.com's liability.
Warning is hereby given that not all Project Ideas are appropriate for all individuals or in all circumstances. Implementation of any Science Project Idea should be undertaken only in appropriate settings and with appropriate parental or other supervision. Reading and following the safety precautions of all materials used in a project is the sole responsibility of each individual. For further information, consult your state's handbook of Science Safety.
Related learning resources
Area of Circles
Worksheet
Area of Circles
Practice finding the area of circles with this seventh-grade geometry worksheet!
7th grade
Math
Worksheet
Circumference of Circles
Worksheet
Circumference of Circles
Introduce students to the circumference of circles with this seventh-grade math worksheet!
7th grade
Math
Worksheet
Finding the Area of Circles
Worksheet
Finding the Area of Circles
Give students practice finding the area of circles with this seventh-grade geometry worksheet!
7th grade
Math
Worksheet
