The 2026 State of Iowa Physics Competition is a series of five physics events for high school (Grades 9-12) students hosted by the UNI Physics Department.  The five events include the catapult, mousetrap car, flying machine, optical slalom and Fermi Questions.  The competition includes one open state competition that includes preliminary and final rounds on the same day.  The competition stresses creativity and ingenuity as well as an understanding of physics related principles and is intended to stimulate interest in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). The competition emphasizes the scientific and engineering practices found in the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) and participation in the competition integrated with appropriate instruction can address the Iowa Academic Standards of Science.  The competition is supported by the UNI Physics Department and STEM Support Services as well as the Iowa American Association of Physics Teachers (IAAPT).