Background

The Singapore Young Physicists’ Tournament (SYPT) tests participants' ability to solve complicated real-world physics problems. In a typical Fight, the Reporter has to present their solutions to proposed problems in a convincing way, defending their stand through scientific discussions with the Opponent.

The competition seeks to bring students through a process of what physicists do; from research to modeling, experimentation and finally to an oral defense before peers and experts. The SYPT provides authentic learning experiences in the learning of physics. Participants of the SYPT stand to represent the country in the International Young Physicists’ Tournament (IYPT). Singapore hosted the IYPT for the first time in 2017.

The IYPT International Organising Committee (IOC) decides on 17 problems to be used for the tournament. These problems involve different aspects of Physics and are often related to phenomena that confront us in our everyday lives. The IYPT problems are deliberately formulated in an open-ended way and cannot be solved within a short time using standard methods in pen-and-paper examination setting.

The objective of the IYPT is for teams to prepare not only a scientifically sound and correct solution, but also for participants to present their solution in a convincing way and to respond spontaneously to criticisms and counter-solutions of the opponent. This learning model is similar to the actual process of science investigation, from framing a question to identifying possible solutions for a problem.

The SYPT is a scaled-down and modified version of the IYPT while retaining its' problems.

Points of note 

• SYPT Categories
  Category A - for participants in JC1 / IP5 / PU1 (or equivalent) and below as of year of shortlisting
  Category B - for participants in Sec 3 / IP3 (or equivalent) and below as of year of shortlisting

• Finals and Poster Presentation
  Students who are shortlisted successfully will participate in Finals. Students who are not shortlisted will participate in Poster Presentation.

• Citation of Sources
  Teams are responsible for making clear distinctions between their own work and work that has been re-used or existing research. Teams should clearly cite all sources during the presentation on the respective slides or otherwise. Not doing so may result not only in a lower score but potentially also disciplinary actions in cases that shall be considered as plagiarism.