Annual Physics Olympics brings more than 250 high school students to campus

On Wednesday, March 25, 280 local high school students from 12 different schools came to Buffalo State University's campus to compete in the annual Physics Olympics, hosted by the WNY Region of the New York State Master Teacher Program (NYSMTP) and Western New York Physics Teachers Alliance (WNYPTA).

Physics Olympics is designed to enhance student learning, motivation, and problem-solving skills through friendly, curriculum-based competitive engineering challenges. Students participated in creative, hands-on STEM challenges entitled "Egg-stream Engineering," "Laser Logic," "Question Quest," and "Toy Transfer Trials." Area teachers led the Olympics in collaboration with NYSMTP WNY co-director David Henry, associate professor at Buffalo State.

"Physics Olympics is a great way for students to use things they learn in the classroom in a community event," Henry said. "It is where curiosity becomes collaboration and creativity. Students have fun using science to solve problems, and they get to see that there are many people who love science-just like they do."

This event is part of Buffalo State's commitment to STEM outreach, which-along with the Physics Olympics-includes programs like the Summer Physics Academy for teachers.