Introducing the ``RPPTM'' Model of Teaching Physics to Health Science Majors

Teaching Physics to Health Science (HS) majors is a challenging task. Many students find it difficult to make a connection between traditional laboratory investigations, physical concepts and their major field within the context of a one or two semester physics course. To engage HS students in General Physics, we introduce a \underline {\textbf{R}}eal life \underline {\textbf{P}}roject based \underline {\textbf{P}}hysics \underline {\textbf{T}}eaching related to \underline {\textbf{M}}ajors (``\textbf{RPPTM''}) teaching model. Within this model, we include a research based project as part of the laboratory course which requires the application of theory to performance of an actual athletic event. Students conduct a short literature review, define variables, develop a methodology prior to beginning their experimental work, perform experiments using real time data loggers and digital video analysis method and conclude their work with a semester end presentation. Some of the real life projects are as follows: forces exerted by athletic shoes during plyometric jumping exercises, the effect of jump height on a horse's legs during cross-country eventing, and concussive forces resulting from the impact of a lacrosse ball on helmet all represent basic laws of physics.