Daily Pioneer News

PLATTEVILLE - Sir Isaac Newton, Albert Einstein and Georg Ohm are well-known physicists who significantly impacted the scientific community with their discoveries leading to increased enthusiasm for their rapidly developing field. Continuing with the enthusiasm and passion of their forefathers are members of the University of Wisconsin-Platteville Society of Physics Students (SPS) who educate younger students about this exciting area of academia. In honor of their contribution to physics, the UWP Society of Physics Students chapter was recently selected as the recipient of an outstanding SPS chapter award for the 2004-2005 academic year.

The award is based on the depth and breadth of SPS activities conducted by the chapter in areas including physics, research, public science outreach, physics tutoring, hosting and representation at physics meetings, and providing social interaction for chapter members. Commented Gary White, national SPS director, "This award is a testament to the chapter's personal leadership skills as much as it is an acknowledgement of the chapter's superior performance." The current officers for the UWP chapter of SPS include Josh Baranowski, president; Eric Erdman, vice-president; John Grueter, secretary; Debbie Cottrill, treasurer; and Jerome Wilson, advisor.

One of the organization's most popular events is the "Physics is Phunshop" held primarily for sixth graders. "We contact area middle schools and the kids come to campus for a Saturday to learn about physics through demonstrations and workshops. This past year they built rockets," said Cottrill. SPS also gives physics demonstrations to local elementary schools, participates in field trips of interest to chapter members such as Fermi and Argonne National Laboratory, and enjoy canoeing in canoes built in previous years. Added Cottrill, "We usually try to take on a project every year as well. This year we are trying to build a trebuchet."

Various members have also been involved at the national level as Associate Zone Counselors for SPS. These students represent SPS chapters in Wisconsin, Northern Illinois and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan at an annual meeting held in Washington D.C. SPS is open to all students regardless of their major. Meetings are held the first and third Tuesday of every month at 4 p.m. in Room 222 of Ottensman Hall.

Contact: Debbie Cottrill, Society of Physics Students,cottrild@uwplatt.edu

Prepared by: Rachael Lehr, UWP Public Relations, (608) 342-1194,lehrr@uwplatt.edu