Search Database

By Subject Area: Physics

• Organizations: Competitions

  Physics Bowl

  The Physics Bowl is sponsored by the American Association of Physics Teachers a(AAPT). Every April, approximately 10,000 students take a 40-question, 45-minute timed, multiple-choice test under their school’s supervision. The exam is designed to be challenging, with average scores of about 50 percent. Questions are based on topics and concepts covered in a typical high school physics course.

• Organizations: Local

  Math & Physics Exploration (Lagrange, NY)

  This organization develops a curiosity and interest in mathematics so students, parents and teachers can improve their math and science education. Activities focus on various topics in mathematics and their application to physical phenomenon.

• Organizations: National

  American Physical Society (APS)

  The American Physical Society (APS) is a non-profit membership organization working to advance the knowledge of physics.
  

  Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory (Fermilab) (Batavia, IL)

  Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory (Fermilab) advances the understanding of the fundamental nature of matter and energy by providing leadership and resources for qualified researchers to conduct basic research at the frontiers of high energy physics and related disciplines. Fermilab conducts basic research into particle physics. The laboratory grounds offer an ample supply of open country for various recreational activities. From picnicking on the restored prairie to bicycling on their series of trails, you will find Fermilab's campus to be an endless source of outdoor enjoyment.

• Organizations: State

  Star League (CA)

  This is a learning center teaching Math, Computer Science, and Physics courses to gifted and highly motivated students during summer/winter camps and fall/spring semesters.

• Printed Materials: Books

  Alice in Quantumland: An Allegory of Quantum Physics

  This overview of quantum physics uses the metaphor of Alice in Wonderland, which includes such characters as the Three Quark Brothers, the Uncertain Accountant, and the Heisenberg Energy Bank. All of the major discoveries and experiments are covered without the complex mathematics. Entertaining, educational and understandable by adults and profoundly gifted children.

  Beginnings Publishing

  Beginnings Publishing offers books, curriculum and lab kits for homeschool students interested in Chemistry and Physics. The Rainbow, The Spectrum and Bridge Math are some of their products. There is special Homeschool Cooperative pricing.

  Chemical Chaos

  This series of books introduces you to science with wacky facts and information. Inspired by the British series of history books by Terry Deary, this set of books covers physics, chemistry and natural sciences.

  Conceptual Physics (9th edition)

  This introductory physics textbook focuses primarily on the concepts of physics; a minimal amount of mathematics is needed, unlike other high school physics programs. This is a standard student textbook; optional teachers' guides and lab manuals may be purchased separately, but would augment the program a great deal.

  E = mc2: A Biography of the World's Most Famous Equation

  This book is a thoroughly researched and documented "biography" of the equation E=mc^2, written for the lay person with an interest in science. It starts with the history of each term of the equation and the equation's "ancestors".

  Endless Universe: Beyond the Big Bang

  In this book, authors Paul J. Steinhardt and Neil Turok, both distinguished theoretical physicists, critique the Big Bang theory and recount the remarkable developments in astronomy, particle physics, and superstring theory that form the basis for a groundbreaking alternative, the “Cyclic Universe” theory.

  Flatland: A Romance of Many Dimensions

  This book was originally published in 1880 and imagines a two-dimensional world inhabited by sentient geometric shapes who think their planar world is all there is. But one Flatlander, a Square, discovers the existence of a third dimension and the limits of his world's assumptions about reality and comes to understand the confusing problem of higher dimensions. This book contains accessible and explanations of geometry and physics for the curious non-mathematicians.

  One Two Three . . . Infinity: Facts and Speculations of Science

  Author George Gamow, one of the greatest 20th century physicists, tends to get forgotten these days with his books now more than 40 years old. Some, like his history of 20th century physics, may seem dated in light of the discoveries since then, but there's still magic in the pages, whether explaining the wonders of infinite series, or how to locate a hidden pirate's treasure chest using imaginary numbers. Unlike many modern popular science writers, Gamow didn't shy away from showing the math - he could explain in a way that an elementary school child could understand. A wonderful book for the child or adult who isn't afraid to think.
  

  Physics: The Easy Way

  An in-depth review of high school and first-year college physics, this new edition is also helpful a preparation for physics portions of standardized tests.
  Discusses motion, forces, machines, energy, heat, wave motion, noise and music, electricity, magnetism, electromagnetic waves, electronics, properties of light, and an introduction to nuclear physics.

  Six Easy Pieces: Essentials Of Physics By Its Most Brilliant Teacher

  This book reprints the six easiest chapters from Feynman's celebrated Lectures on Physics (LJ 12/15/63), which the Nobel Prize-winning scientist delivered from 1961 to 1963 at the California Institute of Technology. Intended for as wide an audience as possible, these chapters are primarily qualitative in nature, with a minimum of formal mathematics. They discuss atoms, basic physics, the relation of physics to other sciences, the conservation of energy, gravitation, and quantum behavior.

  Strange Beauty: Murray Gell-Mann and the Revolution in Twentieth Century Physics

  In George Johnson's biography of Nobel Prize-winner Murray Gell-Mann, we see Gell-Mann as a child prodigy; Gell-Mann entering Yale at 15; Gell-Mann the world traveler and master of particle physics.

  Structure of Matter (Understanding Science and Nature)

  This book discusses what makes up the world around us in an entertaining Q & A format. The questions are those that kids might ask, grouped into topic areas including matter, changes in matter, engineering, food and new materials. It doesn't sacrifice accuracy to simplify the answers, and explanations are technically correct and all interesting.

  The Genius of Science: A Portrait Gallery

  It could be argued that the 20th century was the century of theoretical physics. The Genius of Science is a portrait gallery of 16 of the most interesting international physicists who helped change our view of the world--from Niels Bohr to Eugene Wigner. Author Abraham Pais, an eminent American theoretical physicist and professor at Rockefeller University, has written acclaimed biographies of Albert Einstein and Niels Bohr, two of the greatest scientists of the 20th century. Pais was acquainted with many of the people he writes about.

  The New World of Mr Tompkins

  Decades ago physicist Gamow presented scientific ideas to the layperson through a fictional character, C.G.H. Tompkins, a bank clerk interested in modern science. Gamow produced two popular books featuring Tompkins and then combined them in one paperback. Now science writer Stannard presents a revised version of that book. Tompkins is still a willing if rather dim learner in his associations with a physicist identified only as 'the professor.' Gamow and Stannard deal with such concepts as relativity, quantum theory and the structure of the atom.

  The Quark and the Jaguar: Adventures in the Simple and the Complex

  This book, written by Nobel Prize-winning physicist M. Gell-Mann, is an engaging introduction to the life's work of one of this century's most accomplished and influential scientists. This is Gell-Mann's own story of finding the connections between the basic laws of physics and the complexity and diversity of the natural world. From the simple, a quark inside an atom, to the complex, a jaguar prowling its jungle territory. Exploring the relationship between them becomes a series of exciting intellectual adventures.

  The Time and Space of Uncle Albert (Book Series)

  This is a kid-friendly series that explains Einstein's three main laws. Uncle Albert, the famous scientist, has got stuck. To unlock the deep mysteries of space and time someone must agree to be beamed up into the unknown world of the thought bubble. His brave niece, Gadanken, decides to risk it and so begins her exciting and astonishing adventures. There are three different books, one for every law.

  Twists and Turns and Tangles in Math and Physics: Instruction Material for Developing Scientific...

  This book provides activities and exercises in a variety of topics in mathematics and physics with an approach focused on problem solving and logical thinking.

• Schools & Programs: College Affiliated

  CU Wizards Program (Boulder, CO)

  Professors from different fields at CU Boulder give lectures with demonstrations on topics related to their research as part of the CU Wizards program, which generally occur on the second or third Saturday of each month. While the programs are advertised as targeting 5th-9th graders, the target age for gifted students is around grades K-4. Starting in 5th or 6th grade, gifted students can switch to the Saturday Physics Series, hosted by the CU Physics Dept once monthly.

  Stanford Pre-Collegiate University-Level Online Math & Physics

  Stanford Pre-Collegiate University-Level Online Math & Physics courses bring motivated and academically-talented high school students together to allow them to explore their intellectual passions, develop analytic reasoning and creative thinking, and study directly with expert instructors. These online courses are offered throughout the year and give students the opportunity to take a broad offering of math and physics courses not typically offered in secondary schools. Courses in the University-Level Online Math & Physics programs are largely self-paced. Expert instructors are available for optional office hours to meet with students online and offer assistance as they progress through the course material. All courses carry Stanford University Continuing Studies credit, and students earn a Stanford Continuing Studies transcript. Formerly offered as University-Level EPGY and OHSx online courses at Stanford.

• Summer Programs: International

  International Summer School for Young Physicists (Waterloo, Ontario)

  The ISSYP is an exciting and challenging two-week program for Canadian and international high school students who have a keen interest in theoretical physics and intend to pursue physics studies at the university level.

• Summer Programs: Midwestern Region

  The Physics of Atomic Nuclei Program at NSCL (East Lansing, MI)

  This is an outreach program at the National Superconducting Cyclotron Laboratory (NSCL), one of the world's leading nuclear physics laboratories located on the campus of Michigan State University. It is run by the Joint Institute for Nuclear Astrophysics (JINA), NSCL faculty and staff. The program is designed for students who have completed at least one year of high school and teachers (primarily high school physics or chemistry).

• Summer Programs: Southern Region

  Tennessee Governor's School for Computational Physics - Austin Peay State University (Clarksville, TN)

  The Tennessee Governor's School for Computational Physics is for hard-working high school sophomores and juniors with an interest in engineering, mathematics and/or science. The Governor’s School covers all basic expenses related to the program, including tuition, laptop computers, required books, room, food and transportation on field trips. Plus, students earn seven hours of college credit!
  

• Websites & Other Media: Commercial

  Physics Prep

  This website is designed to offer affordable interactive AP Physics test preparation courses designed to maximize student learning.

  The Great Courses

  The more than 500 Great Courses are crafted for lifelong learners with engaging, immersive learning experiences in a wide variety of subjects from science and mathematics to philosophy, history, literature and economics to cooking and photography. The world’s greatest teachers have a team of experts who collaborate on crafting a customized and entertaining educational journey that’s both comprehensive and fascinating. There are no exams. No homework assignments. No prerequisites. Customers can choose the format that fits their life: video or audio, discs or digital. Watch on a television, laptop or tablet, or listen to audio files on a mobile device.

• Websites & Other Media: For Educators

  NOVA Education - Public Broadcasting Service (PBS)

  NOVA Education tailors NOVA's digital resources for educators in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics including life science, earth and space science, and physical science. The free educator library is produced according to teaching standards and includes videos, audio segments, lesson plans, and interactives designed to facilitate effective classroom integration.

  PhysicsQuest

  PhysicsQuest is a story-based activity that exposes middle school students to the fun and relevance of science. PhysicsQuest aims to teach middle school students physics concepts, but its overarching goal is to give them a positive experience with physics. A free PhysicsQuest kit will be sent to registered 6-9th grade physical science classes, home school groups, science clubs, and after-school programs. The kit includes a user's manual and materials for four physics experiments.

• Websites & Other Media: For Fun

  Science4Fun

  This website is about teaching students science with interesting articles on animals, chemistry, physics, plants, Earth science, planets and many more topics, as well as easy-to-do experiments and projects. The mission is to provide science education for free without any ads.
  

• Websites & Other Media: Informational

  Closer to Truth - Television Series

  This site for the TV science talk show Closer to Truth, brings scientists, scholars and artists to debate fundamental issues. Topics discussed include quantum physics, defining human consciousness, ethics and civility, societal changes created by the Internet and much more.

  HyperPhysics Concepts

  HyperPhysics is an educational site that develops instructional materials in physics.

  Physics World

  Physics World provides the latest news related to physics and provides access to influential articles in the field of physics and notification of current events.

  PhysicsCentral

  PhysicsCentral is a website devoted to communicating the importance and excitement of physics. The website offers information and lessons about different aspects of physics, and also allows users to ask their own questions. The website also maintains a blog, and posts updates about physics in the news.

  World Science Festival (WSF)

  The World Science Festival brings together great minds in science and the arts to produce live and digital content that presents the wonders of science and the drama of scientific discovery to a broad general audience. The Festival’s flagship live event is an annual weeklong celebration and exploration of science in New York City. World Science U is the Foundation’s online education arm where students and lifelong learners can dive more deeply through artfully produced digital education content presented by world-renowned scientists.

• Websites & Other Media: Learning Tools

  Brilliant.org

  Brilliant.org is a free online mathematics and science problem solving website for bright young students around the world. It offers personalized mathematics and physics problem sets and quizzes, as well as access to international community of more than 2 million students, educators and enthusiasts, including olympiad champions, international science fair medalists, high school teachers, and university professors.

  I Love Science!

  An interactive science lab that allows kids to experiment with the principles of science. Three sections focus on biology, physics, and chemistry. There are experiments, activities, and questions and answer sections. The graphics/animations are very kid friendly.

  Interactive Physics - Design Simulation Technologies

  This is a physics laboratory in your computer, a detailed simulation engine that allows student to build mechanical models and see how they react. Using a graphical interface students can create their own models or import the preprogrammed models on the CD or available online. It has numerous meters and graph capabilities to capture your results. Interactive Physics covers most of a first year Physics Course.

  Science Class: Free Chemistry and Physics Lessons

  This website provides free online resources for students interested in chemistry, physics and other scientific disciplines. The information on this website is aimed at elementary, middle and high school students.

  The Cartoon Guide to Physics

  The Cartoon Guide to Physics puts the user in the driver's seat of this highly interactive physics environment. See how gravity affects falling objects. Find out what constant acceleration actually means. The Cartoon Guide to Physics CD-ROM by best-selling author Larry Gonick...makes the subject of physics approachable and fun. With Lucy the live astronaut and her cartoon sidekick Ringo as guides, you'll experience the principles of physics in action. A must have for anyone with a passing interest in physics - or an interest in passing physics. Features: Get "behind the wheel" of many scientific experiments, manipulate variables and observe the consequences. Access historical timeline that features the great scientists' contributions to the laws of motion... Makes a complex subject approachable and interesting.

  The Khan Academy

  Khan Academy offers hundreds of free practice exercises and instructional videos for differentiated learning. Their personalized learning dashboard empowers students to study at their own pace in and outside of the classroom. KA tackles math, science, computer programming, history, art history, economics, and more. Their math missions guide learners from kindergarten to calculus using state-of-the-art, adaptive technology that identifies strengths and learning gaps. KA has also partnered with institutions like NASA, Pixar, The College Board, The Museum of Modern Art, The California Academy of Sciences, and MIT to offer specialized content.