Physical Science: A revitalization of the traditional course by avatars of Hollywood in the physics classroom

TL;DR

This paper presents a novel approach to improve physics education by integrating film-based examples from Hollywood action movies into the curriculum, aiming to enhance scientific literacy among college students.

Contribution

It introduces the 'Physics in Films' method, re-designing general education physical science courses with film-based physics to increase engagement and understanding.

Findings

Positive student engagement observed

Improved understanding of physics principles

Potential for broader application in science education

Abstract

National studies conducted over many years show that, while most Americans are interested in science and support federal funding of scientific research, the scientific literacy of the public is very low. Why this situation exists and who is responsible are not easy questions to answer. This paper describes a project aimed at addressing that problem, at least among college students, by re-designing the general education physical science course, common in most colleges and universities, to teach basic physics principles via the physics found in films, particularly the action films popular among today's students. Results of the first year's trial of the `Physics in Films' approach are more than promising, they may be pointing the way to the solution of the problem.