Releasing Kinetic Energy at Physics Field Day
Two students face off in a bubble suit wrestling match demonstrating conservation of momentum principles during Physics Field Day at Rhodes College.
Photo by Sam Lippe.
On a sunny Friday in April, the Rhodes College SPS chapter turned our campus quad into a hub of physics and fun for our annual Physics Field Day for the campus community. Over 100 students joined the festivities, featuring bubble-suit sumo wrestling, a T-shirt cannon challenge, a three-way tug-of-war, and water balloon obstacle courses—all designed to showcase the physics principles behind each game.
Weeks of planning by the Field Day Organization Committee went into creating the event, from testing activity proto-types to securing 200 hot dogs and recruiting volunteer referees. Cross-club collaborations made the day even more dynamic—Healing Harmony hosted a “paint-by-catapult” station, promoting creativity and mental wellness, while the Middle Eastern Students Association’s Bazaar brought vibrant food, music, and culture to the celebration.
In a fun spin on traditional tug-of-war, students use their knowledge of force vectors to win in a three-way competition.
Photo courtesy of Brent Hoffmeister.
The most popular attraction was bubble-suit sumo wrestling, where students collided in inflatable suits, putting conservation of momentum to the test (and to laughter). Whether competing or cheering, everyone enjoyed the light-hearted yet educational spirit of the day.
Now in its second year, Physics Field Day has become a signature SPS event at Rhodes, reminding participants that physics isn’t confined to the classroom—it’s a joyful, hands-on pursuit that can bring the campus community together.
