Newton’s laws of motion.

Bernoulli’s principle.

Electric forces in fields.

For many, these are simply concepts to memorize for a physics class, but to Jerry Zhang, junior, they mean much more, and could lead him to representing his country in an international competition.

The first stage of the competition is called the “F=MA Exam,” a 75-minute multiple choice exam focusing mainly on the subject of mechanics. The top 300 to 400 students are invited to compete in the second stage, the USA Physics Olympiad (USA PhO), for a shot at representing the USA in an international competition, which this year will be held in Yogyakarta, Indonesia.

Last year was Zhang’s first year participating in the contest. He did not score high enough to advance to the second round.

Zhang took the following year to prepare for the 2017 competition. He signed up to take both AP Physics 2 and AP Advanced Physics concurrently. He also obtained a physics textbook that he uses to self-study what is not taught in the AP Physics curriculum.

This January, Zhang took the F=MA exam for a second time and placed within the top 300 in the nation, earning him an invitation to the USA PhO Exam on April 6, 2017. As for how much further he will advance, Zhang has a pretty modest goal.

“I’m hoping for either honorable mention, which is top 66 percent, or maybe bronze, which is top 40 percent,” Zhang said.

Zhang’s love of physics began at an early age. His father designs computer software to help build trusses in buildings.

“In elementary and middle school, I always wanted to be a civil engineer,” Zhang said. “I saw that was a very cool way to contribute back to society, being able to provide shelter, transportation, and the foundation of cities. One aspect of that was physics.”

Zhang said he started learning bits of physics on his own through research and Google searches. His physics education really kicked off when he took AP Physics 1 last year.

As the leader of STEM club, Zhang researched as many STEM competition opportunities for the club’s members as he could. He came across the USA Physics Olympiad competition in the most unlikely of ways.

“I found it on Wikipedia,” Zhang said.

Zhang has also competed in the K-12 Academy of Science – St. Louis Fair on Saturday, March 4, 2017. Zhang was a finalist in the fair, and won a $1,000 scholarship.

Adam Sansom, AP Physics teacher, said Zhang’s love for physics extends far beyond the classroom setting.

“Jerry views learning as an on-going experience,” Sansom said. “He connects what we learn in class to the world around him, and then brings those connections in and shares with the class. Jerry has an excitement about learning that is contagious and continual.”

By virtue of his score on the High School Chemistry Contest exam, Jerry Zhang recently qualified to take the 2017 National Chemistry Olympiad Exam.  The exam will be given on April 22.