What is this activity?

The Stuyvesant Physics Team serves students who want to be ahead in their future physics classes and learn more than what is taught in a regular class. The club believes that the Physics Team will also help the students learn about a topic they might be interested in studying further in the future. Mechanics and E&M, along with topics like thermodynamics, quantum mechanics, etc., are all helpful in their pursuit of physics. The club also hopes to get students ready for competitions like F=ma and PUPC. Through these competitions, students not only gain exposure to higher-level physics problems but also build a community through their teams and learn how to work together. Physics competitions also serve as a way to improve problem-solving, forcing students to apply what they've learned in creative ways.

On what days does this activity meet?

Wednesday, Thursday

What is the meeting schedule?

The Physics Team will meet once a week for each group: Wednesday for team Newton, and Thursdays for team Einstein. This schedule may vary, especially during the weeks leading up to the most important contests of the year, in which cases the meeting schedule is up to the captains’ discretion.

What does a typical meeting look like?

The separation of the club into two groups—Newton and Einstein—allows for great flexibility in meeting plans and levels. Newer groups are introduced to physics in a cooperative and understanding environment, while more experienced students are provided with a forum to discuss physics problems. Newton meetings have more direction, as captains plan meetings with specific lessons in mind. These meetings will often be set in lecture style. These lessons include topics in the Stuyvesant honors physics curriculum with a specific focus on mechanics since that is what competitions such as the F=ma assess. Co Underclassmen who attend Newton meetings are given the double benefit of both preparing for competitions and future required classes. Einstein meetings have less of a formal structure, as they are more student-led than captain-led. Students here cover a variety of standard topics, as well as advanced strategies and applications for said topics. These meetings cover particularly interesting physics problems and topics that are important to know for competitions and go into more detail than those covered in Newton meetings.

How does this activity appoint leaders?

There are 3-4 captains in any given year, and one is removed either when they graduate or when they leave the club. The remaining captains will choose a new captain by interviewing members of the club who show interest in obtaining a leadership position. They will be selected based on their organizational ability and proficiency in physics. In the case where all 3-4 captains graduate in the same year, all new captains are chosen in the same way before graduation. Additional assistant captains acting as student teachers will be elected if needed through an application process. If impeachment is necessary, a vote will be held among all members of the team, where a majority decides the vote. All members and captains are expected to regularly attend meetings and contribute positively to the physics community within Stuyvesant. It is recommended that all students take the F=ma in February. The students are expected to follow the directions of the captains or assistant captains.

What makes this activity unique?

No other club at Stuyvesant prepares students for physics competitions, which is what makes this club unique. We provide all students with the opportunity to study physics under the guidance of experienced upperclassmen. This mentorship is invaluable, providing guidance, feedback, and strategies that aren't available in other clubs or the normal Stuyvesant curriculum. Physics competitions require time, dedication, and then some. We foster a collaborative atmosphere where students can work together to solve complex problems, share insights, and build a supportive community. This club environment encourages constant improvement and allows students to excel through teamwork and shared learning. Physics competitions require dedication, time, and a deep understanding of the field. Our club is designed for anyone interested in physics and those committed to academic excellence. We’ll prepare our members to build critical thinking skills and develop a genuine passion for physics. By chartering this club, we fill a niche that isn’t addressed by existing organizations within Stuyvesant. Our focus on competition mentorship provides a unique opportunity for students to push beyond their boundaries and achieve success not only in physics but also in academia overall.