Experiment demonstrating skeletal muscle biomechanics.

Abstract

Many students have limited opportunities to develop scientific expertise. This is caused, in part, by the scarcity of scientific educational materials and the expense of supplies and equipment. To address these concerns, we developed an inexpensive laboratory experience that introduces students to the scientific process. Our objective was to create an interactive experiment that requires minimal equipment. To this end, we created an exercise that examines muscle biomechanics. The students conduct a hands-on experiment as researchers and as subjects by investigating the physiological concepts of muscle biomechanics using only supplies that can be found at any school. Questions are interspersed throughout the text to highlight key principles and challenge student thinking on the important concepts. This exercise not only provides an opportunity for students to interact and discuss the important physiological principles but also provides a window through which students may see a future in science.