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.

Physics teachers must construct a new apparatus to demonstrate a specific physical concept or lesson plan.

1. Judges will be selected by the Director(s) of the Competition. Spectators may also be asked to choose their favorite apparatus to produce a popular vote. 2. Apparatus must demonstrate originality of idea and/or simplicity of design of new, or modification of existing apparatus. 3. Apparatus must show good construction, reliable performance, and must not, in its display at the Competition, violate the safety provisions set forth under General Rules. 4. Apparatus must be accompanied by adequate supporting documentation to allow the judges to verify the physical principles demonstrated. 5. The participant's display should indicate the extent to which the apparatus is useful in an educational mode. 6. Until judging is complete, every effort must be made to preserve the anonymity of the entrants. 7. It is mandatory that judges choose a first prize winner.  Judging will not be complete until a First Prize winner is selected.

Website: https://www.aapt.org/Programs/contests/apparatus_home.cfm

Managing Organization: American Association of Physics Teachers

Contact:
Dave Kardelis
david.kardelis@usu.edu

Eligibility:
This competition is for educators. The competition is held annually during AAPT's summer meeting and is open to all members of AAPT.

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.

Physics teachers must construct a new apparatus to demonstrate a specific physical concept or lesson plan.

1. Judges will be selected by the Director(s) of the Competition. Spectators may also be asked to choose their favorite apparatus to produce a popular vote. 2. Apparatus must demonstrate originality of idea and/or simplicity of design of new, or modification of existing apparatus. 3. Apparatus must show good construction, reliable performance, and must not, in its display at the Competition, violate the safety provisions set forth under General Rules. 4. Apparatus must be accompanied by adequate supporting documentation to allow the judges to verify the physical principles demonstrated. 5. The participant's display should indicate the extent to which the apparatus is useful in an educational mode. 6. Until judging is complete, every effort must be made to preserve the anonymity of the entrants. 7. It is mandatory that judges choose a first prize winner.  Judging will not be complete until a First Prize winner is selected.

Website: https://www.aapt.org/Programs/contests/apparatus_home.cfm

Managing Organization: American Association of Physics Teachers

Contact:
Dave Kardelis
david.kardelis@usu.edu

Eligibility:
This competition is for educators. The competition is held annually during AAPT's summer meeting and is open to all members of AAPT.