PhysiFun wins Rep. Gus Bilirakis’s 2023 Congressional App Challenge in Florida’s 12th District

When asked what inspired the creation of PhysiFun, the student said, “The inspiration behind creating PhysiFun stems from a deep passion for physics and a desire to make this challenging subject more accessible to students. I began with a conversation with my Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) physics teacher, during which I was curious about which topics were most difficult for students to conceptualize in AP Physics I.

In this discussion, my teacher highlighted circular motion as one of the most challenging topics. He explained that the circular motion was often perplexing for students due to the presence of two distinct velocities: tangential velocity, which remains constant, and instantaneous velocity, which constantly changes. I remember learning this topic for the first time; I also found it hard to grasp my mind “around” circular motion. I found myself learning most in labs, where these complex topics can be visualized in the real world to bridge gaps in understanding. But, to conduct laboratory experiments in the classroom, schools often need to invest in costly materials and equipment.

To overcome this hurdle, I often visualize the motion in my head or watch videos of others conducting these labs. I realized I could make these visualizations interactive by creating an app allowing users to conduct similar experiments online. This app makes physics education more accessible, engaging, and cost-effective.

Moreover, AP Physics I has the reputation of having one of the lowest pass rates among AP classes. This is largely attributed to the fact that many students attempt to memorize equations and principles rather than truly comprehending the underlying physics. Personally, I’ve found success in the subject by understanding concepts from a derivation standpoint rather than relying solely on rote memorization. PhysiFun was born out of my conviction that students should not just memorize formulas but rather grasp the fundamental principles and visualize their applications in real-world scenarios for a deep understanding.

I envision PhysiFun becoming a go-to resource for students seeking assistance with their physics studies, teachers looking to enhance their teaching methods, and anyone interested in gaining a deeper insight into these topics. By continually expanding and improving the app’s capabilities, I aim to foster a genuine love for physics within users and help them develop a strong foundation.”