Luke Hoesing, Cassandra Rolland and Jake Polk

The team’s creative teaching project, “The Physics of Speed,” bridges the gap between the gym and the physics lab. They will utilize high-quality digital timing gates, jump mats and velocity sensors to transform physical education (PE) into an applied science laboratory. According to the team, students will not just run, they will calculate velocity, acceleration curves and force production in real-time. By analyzing their own biomechanical data, students will engage with science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) concepts through kinesthetic learning. They believe this project offers a “better way” to teach abstract physics equations by making them tangible, personal and competitive, motivating students who might otherwise struggle with traditional classroom theory. Their primary goal is to discover if accessing professional-grade data can engage students of all abilities, motivating the non-athlete through technology and the athlete through applied physics. Ultimately, they want to create a new entry point for students who typically struggle to find excitement in traditional STEM lessons. The Voya grant will be used to purchase additional sensors, specifically barbell velocity trackers or a second timing set to expand the current inventory into a functional “testing station.”