Quantum physics isn’t typically taught at the high school level, but two Union students recently brought their passion for this and other scientific topics to local students in preparation for the STEP Bowl, an annual competition of scientific knowledge.
As part of Union’s involvement in the Science and Technology Entry Program, Tom Perry '09 and Juan Canales '10 met with local high school students several times a week to discuss a number of topics. Perry is a physics major and an astrophysics minor, and Canales, a neuroscience major with a computer science minor.
Their hard work paid off, and the team was given the Spirit Award for the third consecutive year, recognizing their enthusiasm and drive.
Perry said he enjoys having the opportunity to share scientific theories and ideas, such as the uncertainty principle, with the students.
“It is only when one moves beyond the basic theories of a science and into its manifold applications that the physical sciences reveal their true beauty and interconnectedness,” he said.
Perry and Canales used teaching games as aids and encouraged student interaction.
“We reinforced what they were learning by having them interact and ask questions, and letting them dictate what their interests were so that we could further their understanding of topics,” Canales said. “For any competition, sportsmanship is key – and this is something that our kids demonstrated.”
Canales has agreed to be a coach again next year for a team of middle school students and to help coordinate the regional STEP Bowl to be held at Union next year.
“I only hope that our passion for what we are studying has impacted them for the better and encouraged them to think outside the box and outside the classroom, and apply science to their everyday lives,” he said.