Deep Physics
Build physics intuition that lasts
Weekly physics problem-solving sessions. Uses algebra, geometry & trigonometry.
High School STEM Students Who Want More
Ever wonder if there's more to physics than formulas and tests?
You learned the equations. You passed the exams. But something lingers - is this really all there is? Why do these formulas work? What connects them? Where's the deeper logic underneath?
There's more. Much more.
Deep Physics sessions in Princeton are for students who want genuine depth. You took physics (any level - regular, honors, AP, abroad, online) and felt it moved too fast, stayed too shallow, or never answered the questions that actually matter.
I created Deep Physics because I remember that feeling - the hunger to understand what is actually going on. I still carry this spark, the fire that was shared with me by my high school physics teacher. I want to share it with you. Can you handle the true spirit of physics? It's hot. It's alive. It's intense.
— Dr. Sergey Samsonau
Incredible Foundation for College and STEM Careers
Physics is a core requirement for degrees in medicine, pharmacy, engineering, physical therapy, chemistry, and physics research.
With practice at our sessions, you develop:
- Intuitive problem setup - you see how to approach unfamiliar situations
- Conceptual connections - you understand how different physics topics relate
- Lasting foundations - college physics courses feel manageable, not overwhelming
- Deep thinking skills - the analytical approach transfers to other technical subjects
Side benefits:
- School physics becomes easier - AP Physics doesn't look so AP anymore
- Physics starts feeling less like memorization, more like logical problem-solving
- The foundation supports olympiad preparation if that interests you
- You found a gym for your intellectual curiosity - a place to feed your desire to figure things out
- You work with peers who find challenging physics genuinely exciting
The Deep Physics Method
Standard US high school physics covers all topics in one year - often racing through concepts without time for genuine understanding. Students learn formulas but miss the deeper "why."
Physics-math specialized schools approach this differently. A tradition and methodology developed in the 1960s and dedicated entirely to deep scientific thinking forces students to explore concepts from multiple angles - to think, struggle productively, and discover on their own. This approach has produced generations of physicists, engineers, and researchers worldwide.
Deep Physics brings this tradition to Princeton. Hard problems that don't yield easily. The frustration of being stuck - then the breakthrough. No answer keys, no shortcuts, no spoon-feeding. Just you, the problem, and the laws of physics.
This is how real scientists are forged
Deep Physics Compared to Standard High School Physics Courses
| Program | Pace | Problem Variety | Solution Approach | Math Level | Focus |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Physics (College Prep) | 1 year | Limited standard types | Apply 1-2 formulas | Algebra | Master core concepts |
Honors/Accelerated | 1 year | More challenging variations | Combine 2-3 formulas | Algebra | Same topics, higher expectations |
AP Physics 1/2 | 1 year | Exam-specific patterns | Combine multiple formulas, exam format | Algebra | College Board exam prep |
AP Physics C | 1 year | Exam-specific patterns | Same concepts with calculus applied throughout | Calculus-based | College-level physics exam prep |
Deep Physics | Ongoing | Diverse conceptual variations | Analyze situation → think through principles | Algebra, geometry, trigonometry; some problems may occasionally require basic calculus concepts, which are introduced as needed | Building lasting intuition |
Real Mastery Takes Time and Discipline
Physics Topics and Problem-Solving
Taking the physics you already learned in school - mechanics, energy, optics, electricity, thermodynamics, electromagnetism - and exploring it deeper through diverse conceptual variations. We develop deep thinking using content you already know. Each Monday, different topics. One week mechanics, next week optics, then electricity.
Deep Physics Session Format
Instructor presents problems, leads discussions, facilitates individual and group work, and provides feedback on proposed approaches. This is not a lecture format. No phones or computers - we focus on thinking through problems together, no distractions, no shortcuts. Feel free to bring your favorite physics textbook to reference formulas as needed. Between sessions, you get problems to work on if you choose - the more you practice, the deeper your understanding grows.
Note: We teach responsible and efficient GenAI tools use in our Research Skills courses - Deep Physics sessions are dedicated to pure thinking and problem-solving.
Who Leads the Sessions
Dr. Sergey Samsonau, PhD in Physics, with 15+ years teaching physics at high school and college levels. Known for helping students understand concepts deeply from multiple angles and wield the power of productive struggle.
Registration Details
Registration and Commitment
RSVP and pay on our website to secure your spot for upcoming sessions (up to 4 sessions ahead). Spots are limited, a unique opportunity exclusive to the Princeton area. No fixed commitment - pay per session. Attend for a month, a semester, a year, or multiple years. The longer you practice, the deeper your understanding grows - benefits start immediately.
Prerequisites: Basic physics knowledge required - at least one year of high school physics or equivalent (abroad, online, etc.). Students must be 13 years or older.
Refund Policy
Payments are non-refundable if you are unable to attend. If we cancel a session, you will receive a credit for a future session or a full refund.
Same Evening Option
Research Club meets immediately after Deep Physics (7:00-8:00 PM) at the same location. Students can attend either or both programs in one evening (separate club fee applies).
Part of Society of Teen Scientists Ecosystem
At Deep Physics sessions we work to develop lasting physics intuition through the content you already know - the kind of deep understanding that stays with you, prepares you for a great college experience, lays a strong foundation for many career paths, and builds capacity to do deeper research if you choose that direction.
SoTS also offers research clubs, labs, and mentorship where students conduct actual research. Some students do both at the same time, some focus on one - either path works.