Be a mirror
You will copy a partner’s slow movements as if you were a mirror. You need to see the movement before responding, so perfectly simultaneous copying is an ideal rather than a guarantee.
- Move
- Starter
- About 15 minutes
Help needed: yes for checking the space and supervising movement
This page adds a helper and a clear comfortable space to what the film lists, so follow the page.
What you need
- A partner
- A clear comfortable space
- A helper
The rule
Copy every move at the same moment.
How to do it
- Stand or sit comfortably facing your partner with space between you.
- Choose who leads the first round.
- Begin one slow hand or shoulder movement.
- Have the follower copy the visible movement gently.
- Pause and discuss any delay or uncertain direction.
- Swap roles and try another short round.
Why it works
The follower sees a movement, interprets it and prepares a response. Those steps take time, so a small delay is expected even with careful attention. Slow simple movements make the information easier to follow than sudden complicated ones. Familiar repeated movements can become easier to anticipate, but anticipation can also lead to a wrong guess when the leader changes direction. The game explores visual coordination and shared pacing rather than proving that every movement begins at the shoulders.
Make it harder
- Use a slow movement with one direction change.
- Try a seated round involving hands only.
- Explain when anticipation helped and when it produced the wrong guess.
Ask Taz
- Why is there a delay before I copy?
- Why are slow movements easier to follow?
- Why can guessing the next movement sometimes mislead me?
Before you start
Choose gentle movements that both partners find comfortable, and leave enough space to avoid contact. Seated copying is a valid adaptation. The leader helps by keeping the pace clear rather than trying to catch the follower out. Ask at dinner: “How did your partner’s pace change how easily you could copy?”
Taz is an AI and can be wrong, so check what matters. Read how safety works on Taz.
Show us yours
Film your hands and what you made, not your face or name. If you are under 18, ask a parent or guardian before posting anywhere else.
Common questions
Do I need to reach the film’s target?
No. The film shows an example, not a required performance. Begin with a short comfortable attempt and stop whenever needed. The useful result is a description of what happened, and the stated time estimates preparation and discussion as well as the activity.
Can we adapt the movement?
Yes. Choose a comfortable version, or discuss the film instead of doing the action. Say clearly when the adaptation changes the stated challenge rule. Avoid making the activity faster, longer or less stable simply to make it harder.
Do we need to share a video?
No. Talking about the attempt at home is enough. Follow the privacy line above for any optional sharing.
More to try
See all Taz Challenges, or look through the science labs. One place for every why. Start exploring at aitaz.com