CaYPT Frequently Asked Questions

2021 Edition

Can students from different schools form a team?
Yes. Your team does not necessarily have to represent the school at which you are studying. Students from different schools can form a team as long as they are able to find a physics teacher who is willing to help them throughout their preparation and competition phase.

If your team does not have enough members, we might be able to pair you up with other students.

Is it mandatory for the Team Leader to be a physics teacher?
No. The Team Leader can be an adult who has adequate knowledge of physics and can help the team.
Do I have to pay a fee to compete at CaYPT?

Yes. A successful registration would normally require a registration fee of $300 for your team which covers both days. In 2021, the fee is reduced to $260 for the online competition. The fee helps the committee cover venue, food and juror costs.

The registration can be paid by sending an e-transfer to info@stemfellowship.org.

For more registration details, please visit the CaYPT 2021 Registration Page.

I live outside of Ontario and cannot afford to come to the physical location on the competition day. Is there any other option available to me?

There is a different system in order to allow for equal accessibility to all students who are interested in participating. This system will be a hybrid of in-person and online competition, where the participants will engage very interactively between in-person competitors and online competitors. The competition will not separate teams according to their regions. Please note that Ontario-based teams are expected to attend in person.

In 2021 all teams will compete via teleconference.

 

How can I prepare for CaYPT?
Firstly, you should carefully study the structure of CaYPT (which is very similar to IYPT) by reading the rules and regulations while watch videos of previous IYPT Physics Fights in order to clearly understand what happens. Secondly, you should work on CaYPT problems published on our website by doing research, actively communicating with your peers and asking your Team Leader for help. Some research resources can be found in our Student Resources section. Once you have finished working on your problems, you can create a PowerPoint presentation and practice presenting in front of your team members and teacher because you will want to communicate complex problems in a confident and understandable manner in front of the jurors. Having a Physics Fight role play may help you better understand the competition structure and hone your presentation skills. Lastly, you should have all your materials ready before the tournament date, go to bed early and appear on stage with the fullest energy.
What are the problems of CaYPT 2021? Do I need to know the solution to every problem to succeed?

The problems are published on our CaYPT 2020 page. It is highly recommended that you have the solutions to every problem. However, due to time constraints, we understand that sometimes that is not possible. The rules allow for the rejection of up to one problem per group. Therefore, you only need to have the solutions to eight out of the ten questions.

I am a post-secondary student. Can I compete?
No. CaYPT and IYPT are only open to secondary school students. If you are currently in your 4th year of study towards a degree in physics, you may participate as a juror.
I am an international student who is studying at a Canadian high school. Can I compete?
International students can compete in the national competition. However, only Canadian citizens and permanent residents are eligible to be on the Canadian national team for the IYPT.
If you have any other questions, please feel free to email caypt@stemfellowship.org