On March 1, 2025, the University of British Columbia’s (UBC) campus buzzed with excitement as 81 teams from high schools across the province gathered for the 47th UBC Physics Olympics. Among them was a team of 15 SMUS students, ready to tackle six physics and astronomy challenges, explore cutting-edge research facilities and make their mark in this prestigious competition.
The event, one of the largest in its history, was a celebration of curiosity, collaboration and innovation. For the SMUS team, it was also an opportunity to showcase their problem-solving skills, teamwork and passion for science. This culminated in a second-place finish for the students who participated in the buoyancy lab challenge and a well-deserved silver medal.
A Weekend of Discovery
The SMUS team’s journey began with a tour of three world-class research facilities at UBC. At TRIUMF, Canada’s particle accelerator laboratory, students explored the frontiers of particle physics. The Quantum Matter Institute offered a glimpse into the future of quantum materials, including a mesmerizing demonstration of superconductors levitating above magnets. Finally, at the PHAS CHIME Lab, students learned how radio telescopes capture the universe’s background noise to study its age and expansion.
“At the CHIME lab, professors explained how scientists are investigating an unknown force influencing galaxy formations,” said Alex Zhang '25, on behalf of the team. “It was fascinating to see how classroom concepts apply to real-world research.”
The second day was all about competition. Teams faced six challenges, including two pre-built projects: a solar-powered boat and a light box designed to focus a beam of light. They also tackled four surprise tasks revealed on the day of the event.
One of the standout moments came during the buoyancy lab challenge, where students had to design a system to slow the sinking of a metal weight in water. Using a combination of physics principles and creative problem-solving, the SMUS team secured first place in their session and second overall. It was a remarkable achievement.
“Teachers weren’t allowed in the room to assist during the challenge,” said Dayton Preissl, Senior School Physics Teacher and team coach. “Seeing the students come out excited about their performance, and later finding out they placed second overall, was incredibly rewarding.”
Behind the Scenes
Preparation for the Physics Olympics began weeks in advance. Students met during lunch and after school to design, test and refine their projects. For the light box challenge, they used simulations to optimize their design, while the solar-powered boat required hands-on experimentation and troubleshooting.
“The night before the competition, we worked late into the night adjusting the light box setup,” Zhang recalled. “It was hilarious to see five of us using duct tape and wooden supports to hold everything together. It was the perfect mix of engineering and improvisation.”
The event was entirely student-driven, with participants taking full ownership of their work.
Why the Physics Olympics Matter
For Preissl, events like the Physics Olympics are a vital complement to classroom learning.
“This event is a fantastic blend of physics and engineering,” he said. “It pushes students beyond the standard curriculum, requiring creativity, ingenuity and practical problem-solving.”
The challenges also highlighted the importance of teamwork and interdisciplinary learning.
“Every challenge required multiple perspectives and ideas,” Preissl added. “No individual could have succeeded alone. But as a team, they were able to accomplish incredible things.”
For Zhang, the experience was about more than just competition.
“I didn’t participate for university applications. I joined because I genuinely enjoy the challenge and collaboration,” he said. “It’s not just about winning. It’s about problem-solving, learning and having fun along the way.”
The SMUS team’s success at the 47th UBC Physics Olympics is a testament to their hard work, creativity and teamwork. But beyond the medals and accolades, the event was a reminder of the joy of discovery.
Meet the team
The SMUS Physics Olympics team included Grade 9 students George Wang, Jonah Wilkins and Mateo Laca Swets, Grade 11 students Jason Zhang, Joanna Lin, Ella Shah, Finlay Hlannon, Elmond Aphiwetsa, Bashar Al Busaidi, Yingfan Bai and Ashley Baek and Grade 12 students Cedric Tam, Alex Zhang, Max Zhan, Katharina Bohmann, Emad Al and Kyle Shek. Each member brought unique skills and perspectives to the team, contributing to their success in the competition.
