Isabella Madrid, News Editor
@ImadridCourant
On February 14, AP Physics students who have chosen to explore their interests in engineering will participate in the TEAMS competition (tests of engineering, aptitude, and science). The competition has three parts, an essay, multiple choice questions, and a design and build challenge. Students have historically done very well in the competition, last year placing 2nd in the nation and have received the Best-In-State award many times.
AP physics teacher Paul Reid coordinates the competition for students, and emphasized its value in applying background knowledge to engineering concepts. “It’s usually topics that they’ve never seen before, but with the knowledge that they’ve learned so far they should be able to think them through and learn in the process,” said Mr. Reid.
TEAMS has seen a significant increase in interest from students this year. “Usually every student that wants to participate we do have room for. This year we’ve got 48 students participating,” said Mr. Reid.
The essay segment, themed “Engineering a New World” this year, challenges participants to consider aspects of space colony construction, fostering critical thinking and problem-solving skills. “The essay is about some of the things that would have to be considered, that’s due at the end of January,” said Mr. Reid.
Junior Addie Tauber has been preparing for this essay section by dividing research with her team members. “Each team member has assigned research and we meet periodically to discuss and write during planned meetings,” she said.
Competitor junior Kathleen McDonough studied the possibility of vacations on Mars, and entered the competition to pursue her potential interest in engineering.“I’m interested in studying engineering in college so I wanted to get some experience in the field to see if it’s something I would like,” said Kathleen.
Mr. Reid encourages participation as a way for students to explore potential careers in STEM fields. “I’ve had a lot of students who come back after competition who say you know this is really interesting and decide to major in engineering in college, and TEAMS was their introduction to it, so it’s definitely worthwhile,” said Mr. Reid.
The design and build challenge has been a memorable section of the TEAMS competition among students. Senior Margot Stanley, who participated last year, recalled it to be an enjoyable part of the competition experience due to the strong community. “My favorite part was the building section, we had very limited supplies and we had to figure out a way for a ball to go through a cardboard box in a certain amount of time. With a seemingly straightforward task, it was really interesting to see all the different ways everybody’s brains planned,” said Margot.
Addie Tauber has been looking forward to problem solving with her team during the design and build portion. “I feel like it will be interesting to see what happens and what kind of questions we get. Working as a team to solve problems will be a unique experience,” said Addie.
Students are forced to collaborate with their teammates in order to successfully accomplish the design and build challenge. “One thing I learned was the importance of teamwork. Everyone has their strengths and brings their own ideas to the table, and it’s super helpful to listen to others ideas, and also contribute in your own way,” said Margot.
Mr. Reid praised the education system as a major source of student success. “The foundation that students come into class with is really the thing that carries them forward,” said Mr. Reid. “It’s not just understanding physics but a wide range of math and science as well as the ability to express themselves through writing, so all of the disciplines really come into this and it’s a great opportunity for our students to show how well they’ve learned over the years.”
Mr. Reid advocated for students to participate in the competition as it’s a risk free opportunity. “It’s an opportunity at no cost to you, to explore what you might be able to do with physics, science and math knowledge and how you could make a difference in the world later on as a career,” said Mr. Reid.
NCHS has been successful both at a regional and national level in the history of this competition. NCHS secured the Best-In-State prize in 2011, 2016, 2021, and 2023. This accomplishment is a testament to both the teachers in the system as well as the students’ hard work and desire to succeed.
