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

Teaching Physics to Health Science (HS) Majors is a challenging task. It is may be difficult to find a connection between traditional laboratory investigations and physical concepts with Physics non-major students within a one or two semester hysics course. To engage HS students in General Physics, we introduce a teaching model ``\textbf{RPPTM''} (\underline {\textbf{R}}eal life \underline {\textbf{P}}roject based \underline {\textbf{P}}hysics \underline {\textbf{T}}eaching related to \underline {\textbf{M}}ajors) to teach Physical concepts in a fun-filled way of learning related to their major programs. Within this model, we include a research based project as part of the laboratory course, engaging students to observe actual physical actions/reactions and then apply physics principles. 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, develop conclusions and finish with a semester end presentation. Some of the real life projects are as follows: forces exerted by athletic shoes during plyometric jumping exercise, 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.