Under the guidance of physics teacher Fred Coulton, five East Islip High School students – Sameer Ali, Ryan Flad, Jesse Hodge, Adam Menendez and James Terhune – participated in the 39th annual Physics Olympics, held on March 20 at Farmingdale State College. At the event, sponsored by the Long Island Physics Teachers Association, students worked together to solve physics challenges, fostering team spirit and communication skills.  

Teams competed in a series of five thrilling events that tested their creativity, problem-solving skills and understanding of physics concepts, including The Physics Bowl (multiple choice questions based on the Regents Physics core mechanics syllabus), Fermi Questions (estimating quantities which are either difficult or impossible to measure directly), Slow Roller (determining the starting position of the slower of two objects rolling down parallel tracks, such that the faster of the two objects will overtake the slower at a position prescribed by the judges), Bowling for Glory (maneuvering a bowling ball through a set course in as little time as possible, using only a broom and the student’s knowledge of physics.) and The Torque of the Town (determining the mass of an altered measuring stick using torque).
 

“The Physics Olympics is an exciting and hands-on competition that really brings physics to life,” Director of Math and Science Dr. John Genova said. “It was a fun, engaging and challenging experience for our students.”