Physics

OVERVIEW

This study enables students to:

• Apply physics models, theories and concepts to describe, explain, analyse and make predictions about physical phenomena
• Understand and use the language and methodologies of physics to solve qualitative and quantitative problems in familiar and unfamiliar contexts
• Develop a range of science investigation skills through experimental and inquiry tasks in the field and in the laboratory
• Develop an informed perspective on contemporary science-based issues
• Understand and apply the research, ethical and safety principles that govern the discipline
• This course should enable students to see the beauty and harmony of God’s creation.  Students will be better equipped to fulfil the Genesis commission to subdue (control) the earth by having a greater understanding of the laws that govern the physical world.  Students will learn to analyse and question scientific ideas put forward by others and be less likely to be deceived by proposals that are contrary to God’s word or nature.
• Students will see that scientific ideas are continually changing, and that the only eternal truth is in God’s word.  Students will learn study and inquiry skills that may be applied to all aspects of their life.

SUBJECT LENGTH

Each Unit is 1 Semester long. Units 3 & 4 must be completed together in a calendar year for a study score to be generated. 

TOPICS INCLUDE

UNIT 1:

• How Can Thermal Effects Be Explained?
• How Do Electric Circuits Work?
• What Is Matter And How Is It Formed?

UNIT 2:

• How Can Motion Be Described And Explained?

Twelve options are available for selection in Area of Study 2. One option is to be selected by the class from the following:

-            What are stars?

-            Is there life beyond Earth’s Solar System?

-            How do forces act on the human body?

-            How can AC electricity charge a DC device?

-            How do heavy things fly?

-            How do fusion and fission compare as viable nuclear energy power sources?

-            How is radiation used to maintain human health?

-            How do particle accelerators work?

-            How can human vision be enhanced?

-            How do instruments make music?

-            How can performance in ball sports be improved?

-            How does the human body use electricity?

• Practical Investigation

UNIT 3

• Motion In One And Two Dimensions
• Electronics and Photonics

UNIT 4

• Electric Power
• Interactions of Light and Matter
• Detailed Study Selected From One Of The Following:

-            Einstein’s relativity

-            Materials and their use in structures

-            Further electronics

-            Synchrotron and its applications

-            Photonics

-            Sound

PREREQUISITES

None

ASSESSMENT

Units 1 & 2 School Assessed Coursework selected from the following:

• An annotated folio of practical activities
• A data analysis
• A multimedia or webpage presentation
• A response to a media article
• A summary report of selected practical investigations including maintenance of a logbook
• A written report
• A test (short answer and extended response)

Units 3&4 Internal Examinations

• School Assessed Coursework Unit 3 (21%)
• School Assessed Coursework Unit 4 (19%)
• External Examination (2.5 hours) (60%)