New Zealand Young Physicists' Trust
NCEA level 3 and equivalent physics qualifications open the door to so many STEM careers that they are vital to our national success. This fact drives the New Zealand Young Physicists’ Trust to enrich high school physics across Aotearoa.
For over twenty years, volunteer teachers have developed physics problem solving and experimentation skills through a national competition for school teams. 5 of our alumni have gone on to win the Prime Minister’s future scientist prize. That competition is the New Zealand Young Physicists’ Tournament, NZYPT.
Every year in July, the International Young Physicists Tournament, IYPT, sets seventeen open-ended physics problems. The Trust sets seven of these for NZYPT and to start the selection of the New Zealand representative team we will take to compete overseas. To take part in NZYPT, students investigate the problems through experiments of their own design, reinforcing NCEA achievement standard 91521 as they do so. They gain an understanding of the relevant physics by applying theories, fabricating equipment and computer modelling. At the tournament in March, they compete by presenting their research and critiquing the research of others in turn. Teams must defend their solutions in real time and without internet access. Marks are awarded by a jury panel for scientific method and robust theory development. The team with the highest score wins. There are no examinations at any stage, no syllabus to learn and no answers in the back of the book.
A teacher led, extra-curricula school ‘club’ provides safe, supervised laboratory time for students to work in. These clubs take many forms and always reflect the culture of the school and its community. It is these clubs that the Trust supports with teacher mentoring, the provision of any unusual equipment needed and, where needed, fundraising support. We are in the early stages of developing an online environment that can reach every school across the country.
In July 2027 the Trust will, with our partners and sponsors, host the 40th IYPT in Auckland. Nearly 40 countries will compete in this “World Cup of Physics”. As with sporting world cups, the event itself will inspire participation, while the supporting infrastructure will benefit the host country for years to come. A unique opportunity to showcase our STEM education, technical businesses and career opportunities in Aotearoa, New Zealand.
Available Roles:
Two team leaders are required to mentor the New Zealand team for the International Young Physicists' Tournament. The team leaders will accompany the team of 5 (yet to be selected) senior high-school students to Zurich for the competition.
Jurors are the judges of the New Zealand Young Physicists' Tournament. Working in teams, they assess high-school students presenting NCEA level 3 (or higher) physics research in a structured debate. They award points to determine the tournament winners.
