2026 Video Contest Submission Form
Deadline for submission is June 12, 2026 11:59PM CDT
Physics is the science of matter and energy, and we experience it all around us. Record some of the physics happening around you and share your videos in the contest!
The Wonders of Physics annual show has brought fun and exciting physics demonstrations to the public since 1984. Now, we want YOU to show us your best physics demonstration! Capture the wonders of physics on video and send it to us.
Record yourself doing an amazing physics demonstration, explain the science behind it, and enter the video in the 2026 Wonders of Physics video contest. We will award plaques for the best videos. The best video using only the metric system will receive a $200 prize from US Metric Association. Additional awards from PASCO and Vernier will also be given. (details listed below)
Rules
The rules are simple:
- Create a video demonstrating a physics concept that is 1-3 minutes long (and preferably in landscape orientation, not portrait).
- You must be 18 years or older to enter a video on your own, or submit a video with adult supervision.
- The video must use only the metic system when applicable.
- The video must contain only original work — including any music, sound effects and still photographs, etc.
- Be safe! You must ensure proper protection and prevention measures are taken while producing your video.
- Videos must be in English or include English subtitles.
- And lastly: the video has to be fun!
Need some help thinking of what physics to record?
Take a look here at some possible experiments, materials, and ideas to help get you started!
Categories
We automatically enter your video in all the categories for which it’s eligible, based on your video and submission form. We think there will be a lot of great videos, so we will probably invent categories in order to be able to nominate many of your great videos. Here are a few examples of the categories:
- Best video using the metric system exclusively will receive a $200 prize from US Metric Association. This video MUST frequently use the metric system throughout the entire video.
- Best video in various topics in physics (demos about motion, heat, sound, electricity, magnetism, light, quantum)
- Best video from someone under the age of 18
- Best video from someone over the age of 64
- Physics/science teachers whose students submitted the largest number of high quality videos (Past awards have included a $200 gift certificate to PASCO and a license to Vernier Video Analysis!)
- Best video from someone in Wisconsin
- Best video of a Rube Goldberg machine
- Best video from a physicist
- And likely more!
Questions?
Still have questions? Reach out to us at wonders@physics.wisc.edu.