Princeton Research Club

Everyday Physics and GenAI for Middle School Students in Princeton

Learn to see the world through the lens of physics without taking a physics course, and practice to use GenAI as your science assistant!

WhenMondays, 6:30 - 8:00 PMEvery week

WhereArts Council of Princeton102 Witherspoon St, Princeton, NJ

Cost$50 entry feeRegister and pay at least 1 day in advance

Let The Physics Fight Begin!

Every session starts with a demonstration or observations from everyday life.

1. The Phenomenon

Why does a wet glass slide off a tilted table but a dry glass doesn't? Why does blowing on hot soup cool it down but blowing on your hands warms them up? Why does a shower curtain get sucked inward when you turn on hot water?

2. Teams Prepare with GenAI as Science Assistant

Use AI as your science assistant to prepare an explanation using proper science methods, formulas, and approaches (Dr. Samsonau directs on efficient and responsible use of GenAI). You have limited time to both learn new concepts and explain the phenomenon. Build an explanation you can present and then defend.

3. The Fight

Screens off. Teams take turns at the whiteboard presenting and defending their models while the rest of the room attacks. You made a claim — now defend it, because the other team thinks you're wrong.

New phenomenon every week. Each session is independent.

Arts Council of Princeton - meeting location for SoTS Research Club — Real Physics Fights Arena in the middle of Princeton!

Moderator

Dr. Sergey Samsonau, PhD in Physics (CUNY), Master's in theoretical physics (BSU, Minsk). Over 15 years teaching, including at PRISMS, CUNY, NYU. AI expert with experience at leading positions in industry and academia, who knows how to make AI do what you want.

Full profile →

What This Builds

Physical intuition. Not memorized formulas. The ability to look at something unfamiliar and reason about what's happening and why.

Argumentation. Asserting "I think it's convection" is worthless. Explaining why, surviving a challenge, and updating your model when someone finds a flaw — that's how scientists actually think.

AI as a research tool. Students learn to use GenAI to prepare: prompting well, pushing past surface answers, verifying claims. The fight instantly reveals who understood versus who just read.

Comfort with not knowing. You start with no clear understanding. What to do, how to start, when to stop, is this really the right answer? Is there a right answer? What if some questions don't have complete answers yet. That's what research feels like.

No Prerequisites

No prior physics knowledge required. Any grade from middle school. Genuine interest in understanding how things work is the only prerequisite. Bring your own device with a GenAI tool of your preference as your research assistant.

Want structured physics theory? Physics Through Thought Experiments teaches mechanics foundations through discussion and problem-solving.

Prefer a one-week intensive? Spring Physics Camp offers similar physics exploration in a week-long format.

Ready for research? Princeton Research Laboratories offer hands-on research projects.

High Schoolers: Want Your Own Physics Competition Arena?

1. Form a team of 4 at your school (Princeton, NJ and nearby schools welcome)

2. Get ready to face other schools. We will set the date!

3. Observe the phenomenon. Build your explanation. Present it at the whiteboard. Defend it while the other team attacks. Attack theirs. Find what they missed. Prove your school has the sharpest minds in the area!

Real STEM challenge combining knowledge, modern tech, and deep thinking. Real fun.

Email team@teenscientists.org to register your team for high school physics competitions in Princeton, NJ!