In a close showdown, the school’s Advanced Placement (AP) and Honors Physics classes faced off in a kickball game May 2, with the AP Physics 1 team emerging victorious after securing a two-point lead in the final inning.
“I was the AP Physics 1 team coach [so] I assigned my teammates where to go on the outfield or infield,” junior Bryan Nguyen said. “When we were kicking I chose the order to maximize the amount of points we could get with each player.”
The game took place during lunch where students were teamed based on their class and competed for extra credit. Each class chose a coach, with the AP Physics 1 team electing Nguyen and the AP Physics C/Honors Physics class electing senior Aaron Doan.
Students who were not participating in the game could still earn extra credit by cheering for their class and being present for the whole match. The four-inning game was tight, with each class keeping the score close until the final moments when the AP Physics 1 team delivered a clutch home run, cementing their win.
“The AP Physics 1 team won the game,” AP Physics C player and senior Basilio Reyes said. “It was a rough loss as we had just captured the lead but were unable to fend off their offense.”
With no prior training or preparation, both teams had to strategize on the fly. This factor made the game more challenging, requiring players to persevere and listen to their coaches while performing at their best. With an audience of fellow classmates, many felt pressured which added to the tension between the players. The level of competitiveness seen on the field was exciting as the outcome of the game seemed to be unpredictable through each inning.
“I absolutely loved capturing every kick, catch and run throughout the game,” Physics club photographer and senior Jaden Nino said. “Despite the serious expressions on everyone’s faces, they all told me they were all having so much fun during it.”
There was a large, enthusiastic, turnout in not just the players but in the audience as well. The energy was high for the whole period, with countless pictures being taken to immortalize the moment. Players remained focused, wanting to bring the win home for their class. With the event being the last of the year, the game was a chance to relax and make memories with friends.
“Kickball actually involves a lot of physics — projectile motion when the ball is kicked, friction and momentum while running and force when throwing or catching,” Nguyen said. “Playing [the game] helped me see these concepts in real time, which made the lessons from class more meaningful.”
Beyond the excitement, the game was educational as students were able to put their physics skills to the test. Many noted their usage of ideas found in their labs and assignments when organizing their next moves. From trial and error to their knowledge of motion, force and trajectory, physics was naturally embedded in each part of the game. The mastery of their knowledge built throughout the year showed that physics is found in every aspect of life, even outside of the classroom.
“The events this year have been super awesome,” junior and AP Physics 1 student Tyler Evangelista said. “I really enjoyed participating in them all.”
Physics club hosts several events throughout the year that all physics students are able to participate in for a chance to earn extra credit. Previous events included a bike race, a ball obstacle course and a slingshot game. Although events were limited due to the strike that took place earlier in the year, those involved in planning were able to make the most of limited time.
“This last kickball event was a perfect way to end the club events this year,” Nino said. “To me, it made me realize that physics was more than a class; to me, it really was family.”
