Nationwide physics competition
The nationwide physics competition (until 2013 federal physics competition ) is a student competition that has been organized since 1994 and is intended to arouse students' interest in physical issues at an early stage. The competition is sponsored by the German Association for the Promotion of Mathematics and Science Education (MNU) and financially supported by the German Physical Society . The nationwide physics competition is a recognized member of the working group for nationwide student competitions.
Goals of the competition
The nationwide physics competition is intended to arouse interest in the versatility of physics and inspire as many students as possible for this natural science. Physics talents from secondary level I should be encouraged and challenged. The competition is thus a school-complementary instrument for talent development and promotion.
Through experimentally descriptive problems, students are encouraged to recognize physical laws in the facts of the tasks or to apply them to the problem. If necessary, tests are to be planned, carried out and evaluated, and relevant documentation to be created in the style of a protocol.
tasks
There are task sets for two age groups, each with three tasks to be completed:
- The tasks of the "junior level" are intended to encourage students in grades 5 to 8 inclusive to try to solve physical problems early on in an illustrative and experimental manner. No basic physical knowledge is required in the exercises. Mathematical processing is at an elementary level, the implementation of theoretical mathematical solutions is not the aim.
- The "advanced" tasks are aimed at all secondary school students. The tasks have a higher level of difficulty and require a dedicated application of physical laws and mathematical means in analysis and solution.
Course of the competition
- 1st round: Students receive the tasks from their physics teacher and can win a 1st, 2nd or 3rd prize or a recognition. The winners receive a certificate of their successful participation.
- 2nd round: Successful students in the 1st round receive tasks from the 2nd round from their physics teacher. No group work can be considered in the 2nd round.
- National round: The most successful participants in the 2nd round are personally invited to the national round, which takes place in the second half of the school year.
Requirements for the task solutions
- Calculations and derivations are clearly written down.
- The result is formulated verbally and, if necessary, supplemented clearly.
- Reference is made to corresponding, generally known phenomena, if necessary.
Permitted resources
- The measurements in experimental tasks generally do not require laboratory technology. In most cases, standard household measuring equipment is sufficient for the required physical quantities.
- The use of physics-related apps for smartphones is permitted.
- Iterative methods can be used in both stages.
- Computer algebra systems and geometry software may be used.