Assessment of a medical physics educational program for science teachers

Abstract

Introduction

Medical physics is a fulfilling profession where physics is applied to advance human health. However, many are uninformed of the role of physicists in medicine, and students are unaware of this career pathway. This study presents a pilot 1-year program for science teachers to learn about physics in medicine and share with students and teachers.

Methods

A cohort of middle school and high school science teachers were selected to learn about physics in medicine, develop lesson plans for their students, participate in a Physics in Medicine field trip hosted at a cancer hospital, and concluded with a professional development day for other regional science teachers. Surveys were conducted throughout the program to assess attitudes toward teaching medical physics, content knowledge of medical physics, collaboration, and demographic information from participants.

Results

The program was implemented over the course of a year which included 5 school districts, 10 science teachers, and hundreds of students. After participating in the program, teacher scores on surveys regarding attitudes toward teaching medical physics and content knowledge significantly increased for the cohort. Strong collaboration between teaching pairs was maintained throughout the program based on survey responses. Teachers participating in the 1-day professional development program also benefited from the program based on survey responses regarding attitudes toward medical physics and interest in learning more about medical physics.

Discussion

This pilot study demonstrated the feasibility and effectiveness of an educational model for teachers’ understanding and connecting medical physics with students in their schools.  The program was well received by teachers and students, and this manuscript provides guidelines for effective replication of the curriculum at other institutions.