The warmer temperatures on February 6, 2026, created the perfect conditions for a favorite winter tradition at Whitney Point High School - the annual Physics Sledding Day.
Students taking the SUNY Broome Physics course at WP High School traded their desks for snow gear as they headed outside to the hill in the bowl behind the bus garage. Despite the winter chill, students eagerly embraced the opportunity to combine hands-on learning with outdoor fun.
Physics Sledding Day is more than just a chance to enjoy the snow, it’s a real-world laboratory! As students race down the hill, they collect data that connects directly to the concepts they’ve been studying in class. By measuring the time it takes a sled to travel downhill and factoring in each student’s mass, they can calculate the frictional force between the sled and the snow.
The experiment doesn’t stop there. Students also determine the sled’s acceleration as it descends the hill. They then compare their calculated acceleration values with the actual measured acceleration gathered during their sled runs. This comparison helps them evaluate experimental accuracy while deepening their understanding of motion, force and energy.
According to physics teacher Mr. Leet, the activity is a highlight of the winter unit each year. The timing of this year’s sledding day made it even more exciting, tying in perfectly with the buzz of the Winter Olympics and giving students an added appreciation for the science behind winter sports.