On Friday, December 6th, the Centaurus Physics Club traveled to Pasadena, California to compete in the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) Physics Competition. Since the start of this year, students have been expanding their learning by participating in many physics-related activities. The Physics Club, a student-led extracurricular sponsored by Ms. Becker, and is made up of students who want to explore this science outside of the school class. Around 30 people are in Physics Club this semester, including all grade levels – not just juniors and seniors! About 20 of these members went to California, which was an incredible trip for the club that happens every year in December. Since this activity is year-round, besides the JPL competition, students also get to participate in spring competitions.
Every year, students in the club get to participate in this amazing oportunity. This year, at the 25th Physics Competition, students entered their projects into numerous categories that allowed out-of- state team contribution. Club member Levi Wicar said, “it was really fun flying to California, going to CalTech, and meeting some cool physics people.” Wicar also mentioned that, “one misconception about Physics Club is that some people think it’s just writing down equations, but it’s actually more like engineering”. The integration of fun projects is what motivates many students to participate in physics competitions, and what supports the trip they take to Pasadena. At the JPL competition, Centaurus entered a project where they made “M&M launchers”, and their creativity and decorations helped them receive the “Most Artistic” award out of competitors from different states.
