  Physics in Films is an alternative version of the physical science course
offered to non-science majors at the University of Central Florida. The course
uses the popularity of Hollywood films to generate interest in science and to
engage students that have traditionally been resistant to taking science
courses. Scenes that lead to teachable science moments are identified in films
and then used in class to concretize abstract physical concepts. With the wide
variety of movies available, different "flavors" of the course, each
specializing in a certain genre of film, have been created. This creates an
audience of students with a high level of interest in the teaching tool and
helps enhance their learning experience. In addition to the films, the course
uses electronic student response systems to increase class participation.
Although the course was first developed during the academic year 2002-2003, we
continue to develop and assess it. After a brief outline of the motivation for
the development of the course, we will discuss the different versions of the
course and the teaching techniques used, including the use of the student
response systems, and present data on the performance of the students in the
course. Moreover, we will present feedback on the course acquired from video
interviews with participating students.
