Guides · ISEF category
Physics and Astronomy
ISEF category PHYS · difficulty for high-school students: high
Classical and quantum mechanics, electromagnetism, optics, thermodynamics, astrophysics, cosmology, particle physics, condensed matter, acoustics.
How it's judged
ISEF scores 100 points across five criteria:
- Creative Ability: 30 pts
- Scientific Thought: 30 pts
- Thoroughness: 15 pts
- Skill: 15 pts
- Clarity: 10 pts
What wins
- Tabletop optics experiments probing quantum or wave phenomena with novel configurations
- Astronomical observation + analysis of variable stars, exoplanet transits, or galaxy properties
- Acoustic metamaterial design and characterization
- Superconductor characterization at cryogenic temperatures (university access)
- Novel measurement technique for a known physical quantity with improved precision
Common mistakes
- Measuring g (gravity) with a pendulum — this is a demonstration, not research
- Not reporting measurement uncertainty with every quantitative result
- Theoretical papers with no experimental validation or computational simulation
- Conflating classical results with quantum claims
What you'll need
Depends on sub-field. Optics: lasers, lenses, CCD camera. Astronomy: telescope + camera + image processing software. Condensed matter: university lab required. Acoustic: speakers, microphones, signal analyzer.
Ethics & approvals
Human-subjects (IRB) approval is usually not required for this category. Vertebrate-animal (IACUC) approval is usually not required.
The novelty bar
A new measurement, a new physical configuration, or a new astronomical data analysis. Reproducing a well-known experiment is not competitive unless a novel variation reveals new physics.
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