A team with their completed bridge (2014)
IUP Physics and Pre-Engineering Clubs will host the annual Physics Olympics on Friday, April 4, continuing a tradition that has engaged high school students in hands-on physics challenges and academic competitions since 1975.
Last year’s event welcomed 151 high school students from local school districts to the IUP campus, where teams competed in five physics-related challenges at the IUP HUB. Organized by club members and student volunteers with support from faculty, the half-day competition aims to spark curiosity and enthusiasm for physics through interactive problem-solving and teamwork.
Developing a roller coaster model (2019)
Building a mousetrap powered car (2023)
Beyond the competition, students and their teachers will have the opportunity to meet IUP faculty and tour research labs in the university’s state-of-the-art science building. These experiences provide insight into college-level science education and potential academic pathways while also allowing current IUP students to develop leadership and organizational skills through event planning and execution.
As a long-standing initiative promoting STEM education, the Physics Olympics continues to be a highlight for both IUP and the local community, inspiring the next generation of scientists and engineers.