What is PSSA – Experimental Physics?
PSSA – Experimental Physics is a four week program that focuses on modern physics with an emphasis on hands-on experience and laboratory work. There is no requirement of a previous physics course, although typically about half of our students have taken one prior to attending PSSA. To accomodate differences in preparation, we spend the first week learning mechanics in preparation for a field trip to a local amusement park. On that trip, each lab group selects one ride to fully analyze with the help of electronic data logging devices and computers that were used in the first week of the program. Students choose the level at which they work on this project, and there is room for all levels of experience to grow. Once everyone has a foundation in mechanics, we take advantage of the vast research facilities on Penn’s campus to explore modern physics topics that are out of reach for most high school programs.
