WKU News & Events

February 04, 2002

Physics Olympics Set For Saturday
At WKU

Bowling Green, Ky. - This winter's Olympic competition isn't limited to Salt Lake City.

On Saturday, four teams from Warren Central and Christian County high schools will compete in the Western Kentucky Physics Olympics. The fun-filled competition consists of a pentathlon of challenging problem-solving activities that reward teamwork, creativity and communication.

"Physics is how the world works. Our main goal is to show students that physics is alive and fun," said Dr. Richard Gelderman, a WKU astronomy professor who is organizing the event.

In two fun events involving eggs, the object isn't to crack up. In the first, teams were asked to design a small container in which a raw egg could be sent through the mail and arrive intact at WKU's Thompson Complex. In the second, teams must design and build a device that will catch a raw egg dropped from increasing heights without breaking the egg.

While some events are hands-on, the Physics Olympics also challenges each team's skills, knowledge and ability to work together.

In the Laser Zap, students will use teamwork, communication and calculation skills to guide a laser beam around an obstacle and hit a target. Using physics concepts, three team members will calculate a plan to redirect the laser beam around an obstacle and hit the target. The fourth team member follows the written instructions to set up the optical components. Finally, the judges turn on the laser and score the team's effort according to distance from target.

In a brain teaser activity, the Order of Magnitude Quiz will ask contestants to quickly estimate answers for extreme situations. An example for this quiz might be how many times a car tire would rotate when driven from New York to Los Angeles.

Teams also will compete in an impromptu activity designed to reward teamwork and common sense thinking as well as knowledge of physics and the ability to work with formulas.

Saturday's event is another way that Western is working to boost science education and increase student interest in science, Dr. Gelderman said. "The Western Kentucky Physics Olympics is really for the high schools and the students," he said, adding that he expects participation to grow in coming years.

All activities, except the egg drop, will be held on the second floor of the Thompson Complex Central Wing. The egg-drop, which begins at 9:30 a.m., will be held at TCCW's rear entrance. The Order of Magnitude quiz is scheduled for 11 a.m. followed by the laser zap at 12:15 p.m., the impromptu physics event at 1:10 p.m. and an awards ceremony at 1:45 p.m.

Each member of the winning team will receive a $500 scholarship to attend WKU. Medals and certificates also will be presented.

For more information, contact Richard Gelderman at (270) 745-6203. Additional information is available online at http://physics.wku.edu/olympics/index.html