WKU News

Ocean Odyssey is the theme for the 2012 WKU Physics Olympics on Feb. 18.

Teams from area high schools have been invited to participate in the half-day competition that consists of a pentathlon of challenging problem-solving activities that reward teamwork, creativity and communication. The competition is sponsored by the Department of Physics & Astronomy.

This year’s event will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Feb. 18 at the Thompson Complex Central Wing. Registration deadline is Feb. 13. Teams can register online at http://physics.wku.edu/olympics/registration.html.

The competition will begin with two activities that involve competitors arriving at the event ready to compete with devices they have designed, constructed and tested. The competition entitled Naked Egg Transport requires each team to design, construct and use a package to safely transport a shell-less egg through harrowing circumstances. For the Submarine Maneuvers each team will assemble and test a submarine vessel, powered solely by mechanical energy that can descend and complete passage through a prescribed course before ascending within a target zone.

This year’s “Calculation/ Communication Challenge” is Tsunami Epicenter and will require each team to divide into pairs and cooperatively share the process of determining the location of an undersea earthquake.

The other events are an Order of Magnitude Quiz and an Impromptu Team Activity.

Each of the four contestants on the team with the best score in the overall competition will receive a $500 scholarship to attend WKU. Medals for the team members and a plaque for the school will be awarded to the top three teams in the overall competition. Certificates will be awarded to the top three teams in each event.

Contact: Richard Gelderman, (270) 745-6203.