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Apparatus Competition  IMG_6245-small

The Apparatus Competition was established to recognize, reward, and publicize worthwhile contributions to physics teaching through demonstration and experiment.

With huge advances in technology, many physics apparatus are now commercially available. But even with these advances,physics research still requires the inventive spirit of designing and building experimental apparatus one's self.

Whether developed to pique the interest of students, used in lecture and demonstration, or simply used to help teach physics in new or fascinating ways, teachers are continually engineering apparatus to aid physics instruction. The Apparatus Competition is where teachers can share their apparatus with others.

The Competition is held annually during AAPT's summer meeting and is open to all members. Entries to the competition are screened according to the selection criteria below.

2012 Apparatus Competition Winners

 

Criteria for Entry

  • Apparatus is either new in design or a modification of an existing design.
  • Apparatus is not commercially available.
  • The specifics of the apparatus have not been published.

For further specifications, view the complete rules and judging guidelines found on the competition coordinator's website.

Categories

There are two categories of entrants:

  1. Low Cost—an apparatus costing less than $100 to build (excluding exempt equipment)
  2. Unlimited Cost

Participants may enter a single apparatus in both categories, provided that the criteria for both categories are met.

Awards*

PASCO scientific  generously provided cash prizes to the creators of the 2012 winning entries. The 2012 awards available for the Introductory Laboratory category were:

  • First Place: $1,000
  • Second Place: $600
  • Third Place: $200
  • Additionally, up to six $100 prizes were available to be awarded in the Low Cost category.

 

*Award winners are determined by the competition judges. First prize is always awarded; not all other prizes are necessarily awarded.

Important Dates in 2013

June

Notify Brian Andersson of your intention to enter the 2013 Apparatus Competition and any services required to display your apparatus. Obtain an official application packet with entry form, rules of eligibility and judging, safety guidelines, and competition requirements (via email or website).

June 15

Complete entry materials are due. The late entries may be accepted provided space available. Late entries might not be published in the onsite list of apparatus.

July 14

  • 12:00 - 5:00 p.m. - Apparatus set-up in person Portland, OR,  in the PIRA Resource Room (other times by prior arrangement).
  • 5:30 p.m. - Apparatus Competition Judging: (closed to viewing)

July 15 - 16

 During PIRA Resource Room hours - Apparatus viewing by meeting attendees.

July 17

by 10 a.m. Removal of apparatus.

Contact Information

To obtain more information about the competition, contact Brian Andersson (Competition Coordinator) at banders@physics.umn.edu

Previous Entries and Winners

This competition is sponsored by the AAPT Committee on Apparatus and has been generously supported by PASCO scientific.