A high school may enter only one (1) team in the competition. Each team will consist of four (4) to twenty (20) high school students. In order to involve as many students as possible, it is recommended that single competitors enter no more than four (4) events. While participation in all events in not required, teams should plan to enter as many events as possible.
To help defray the operating costs, each team will be assessed an entry fee of $20.00, which is to be returned with the registration form. (PLEASE MAKE CHECKS PAYABLE TO YSU PHYSICS OLYMPICS; NO PURCHASE ORDERS UNLESS ABSOLUTELY NECESSARY.)
Scoring in all events will be on a 15-14-13-12-11-10-9-8-7-6-5-4-3-2-1 points system for first through fifteenth places, respectively. The team with the highest point total at the end of the competition will be declared the winner. Trophies will be awarded to the top five teams in the competition; 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place finishers in the individual events will be awarded medals; 4th through 15th place finishers will receive ribbons. In addition, we hope to again supplement these awards with prizes donated by various companies.
New for 2012: Savings Bond purchasing requirements have changed to the point that they will no longer be awarded to the three top-place winners. An alternate award is being determined and may consist of either cash or a gift card.
The physics joke/limerick contest will again follow the Quiz Show Final (and before the announcement of the results of the overall competition). The physics joke/limericks must be delivered by students before a live audience, which will serve as judges. Certificates will be awarded in the following categories: (1) Best Physics Joke, (2) Worst Physics Joke, and (3) Best Physics Limerick.
REMINDER: Devices from previous years may not be used again, including PPBL, PHPH, FM, etc. All devices are marked at the registration table. Also, please remember that this is a competition that involves student-built items and student-presented items. Parent and teacher help should be of the verbal nature.
Please share this information with your physics class(es) and with the Physics or Science Club at your school. If you decide to enter this year’s competition, complete and return the entry form with the $20.00 entry fee, payble to YSU Physics Olympics, to:
Cynthia Smotzer Department of Physics & AstronomyYoungstown State University One University PlazaYoungstown, OH44555