Real-world Problem for Chapter 8 - Stilt Walker (RWP8)

Write a complete solution to the following problem using the GOAL problem-solving protocol.  Carefully consider any assumptions you make in solving the problem, along with an explanation of how the answer would vary under different conditions.  Clearly specify any estimations you make, and be sure your answer will agree with anyone else who correctly analyzes the same problem.

Your instructor tells you that when he is not teaching or doing physics research, he sometimes performs as a professional juggler.  For certain occassions, he juggles while walking on stilts that make him nearly 9 feet tall. He explains that the most difficult part of stiltwalking is getting over the fear of falling, because if he were to fall, his head would accelerate faster than gravity!  He asks you to show this and verify the expression: "the taller they are, the harder they fall!"  Decide if a helmet is recommended by examining the speed of his head in a fall and comparing this speed to that of a typical adult falling down or the speed while riding a bicycle.