Western Kentucky Physics Olympics is a half-day competition consisting of a pentathlon of challenging problem-solving activities that reward teamwork, creativity, and communication. Western Kentucky University's Department of Physics and Astronomy invites teams of high school students to register for and compete in the 2023 Western Kentucky Physics Olympics at WKU's main campus on Saturday, February 25, 2023.
The theme for the 2023 Western Kentucky Physics Olympics is Water. Before the on-site competition commences, each team will have: (1) constructed a floating raft with sail that can carry the most weight as their team propels it a distance of 0.6 meters, and (2) designed, constructed, and tested a water heating device which uses only mechanical means to raise the temperature of a given mass of water.
Online pre-registration is required. Teams must register online before 4pm, Monday, February 20, 2023.
Each of the four contestants on the team with the best score in the overall competition will receive a $1000 scholarship to attend Western Kentucky University. The scholarship is to be used during the freshman year and is awarded above and beyond any other scholarships the student might otherwise earn.
A plaque for the school is presented to the coach of the overall winning team. Medals for the team members will be awarded to the top three teams in the overall competition. Certificates will be awarded to the top three teams in each event.
In case of cancellation due to inclement weather, Physics Olympics will be rescheduled for the same times on an alternate Saturday to be announced.
| Time | Activity | Location |
| 8:00 | Mandatory check-in for all teams | Snell 1108 |
| 8:30 | Mechanical Water Heater competition begins | Snell 1108 |
| 9:30 | Raft with Sail competition begins | KTH 1108 |
| 10:30 | Communication/Calculation Challenge begins | KTH 2038 / Snell 1108 |
| 11:30 | Order of Magnitude Quiz begins | Snell 3110 |
| 12:00 | Lunch | KTH 2038 |
| 12:45 | Impromptu Team Activity begins | Snell 3110 |
| 1:45 | Awards Ceremony | Snell 1108 |
Please see the Events Description page for a complete listing of the official rules for each event.
If you have questions please check our Frequently Asked Questions list or email your question to olympics@physics.wku.edu.