Hands-On STEM Experiences for High School Students
Join us for our next event- date tbd, Summer 2026. Events take place on the campus of The Citadel in Charleston, South Carolina.
This is a learn-by-doing physics and aerospace experience where high-school students build, test, and improve real devices in Citadel teaching and research labs. Physics ideas are learned through experimentation and design challenges—not simply lectures.
Students work side-by-side with Citadel physics faculty and current cadets, gaining a preview of what it’s like to study physics at The Citadel while tackling hands-on problems that bring science to life. Projects are designed to connect hands-on work to the underlying physics ideas, with students discussing why systems behave the way they do.
Recent projects include
- Designing and testing your own airfoil in our wind tunnel
- Building your own ultrasonic levitation device
- Exploring the physics of string shooters
- Learn about the physics of flight by flying in our flight simulator
- Building and troubleshooting a biologically inspired light-seeking robot
- …and more!
Who can attend: High-school sophomores, juniors, and seniors
No prior experience is required — projects are designed so students learn by doing from the start.
The following video shows a project from a previous event-
Frequently Asked Questions
Do students need to have taken physics already?
No. No prior physics, engineering, or programming experience is required. The projects are designed so students learn by doing from the start, with guidance from faculty and cadet mentors.
What will students actually do during the event?
Students work in small groups on hands-on projects, such as building and testing devices, collecting data, and refining designs based on what they observe. The focus is on learning physics ideas by seeing how real systems behave.
Is this more like a class or a workshop?
It is closer to a workshop than a traditional class. The emphasis is on experimentation, design challenges, and problem-solving rather than lectures or note-taking.
Do students need to be interested in attending The Citadel to participate?
No. Students do not need to be considering The Citadel to take part in this experience. The event is open to any high-school student who is curious about learning physics by doing and exploring hands-on STEM projects.
What should students bring?
Students should wear comfortable clothing and closed-toe shoes appropriate for working in a lab. All project supplies are provided, and we also provide snacks and lunch during the event.
Is there a cost to attend?
Yes. The registration fee for this event is $35.
The fee covers all project supplies, snacks, and lunch for the day. Registration and payment are handled through Eventbrite.
Past Applied Physics Experience Events
- Saturday, February 28, 2026
- Saturday, November 8, 2025
- Saturday, October 12, 2024
- Monday, June 24, 2024
- Saturday, March 2, 2024
- Saturday, October 7, 2023
- Monday, June 26, 2023
- Saturday, October 22, 2022
- Monday, July 11, 2022
- Saturday, April 9, 2022
- Saturday, October 23, 2021 (over zoom)
- July 8-9, 2021 (over zoom)
- April 3, 2021 (over zoom)
- November 14, 2020 (over zoom)