T. rex Can't Jump; or could it? A biomechanical inquiry lab

 

Tested Studies in Laboratory Teaching, 2005, Volume 26

Abstract

Students in Biology, Anatomy, and Physiology courses struggle with mathematical formulas, but can be encouraged to adopt mathematical reasoning when an engaging problem is posed. This lab challenges students to find out for themselves if a Tyrannosaurus rex had the ability to leap (view Charles R. Knights' painting "Leaping Laelops" at www.charlesrknight.com/AMNH.htm.) In doing so students discover ‘ways to solve it' in groups, become familiar with the concept of proportionality, apply simple physical principles, and get to know a chicken leg like they never did before. My approach to this lab is to give them handouts with the information they need as they go along, rather than a big packet at first. To do the entire exercise could easily take 3 hours or more, but there are ways to break it up over more than one period or with students working on some parts on their own time. There are also potential shortcuts or extensions to suit the focus of the course. In this paper I will outline the basic steps I follow and illustrate some of the handouts I use, but to reproduce all 13 in their entirety here would take too much space. Instead you may contact me if you would like me to send paper copies of them: wbeachly@hastings.edu.

Keywords:  biomechanics

Bowling Green State University, Ohio (2004)