“The Christian faith of the early scientists gave them more than presuppositions; it also gave them motivation. They believed that in studying nature they were discovering the wisdom and power of the Creator and were thus honouring Him.” James F. Jekel
OVERVIEW
Physics seeks to explain and understand the physical world. The models and concepts developed are fundamental to the other natural sciences, and so the study of Physics is an ideal foundation for a person planning a career in the sciences. The course encompasses atomic physics, electricity, fields, mechanics, thermodynamics, quantum physics and waver. Students also have options for study related to astrophysics, bioelectricity, biomechanics, electronics, flight, medical physics, nuclear energy, nuclear physics, optics, sound and sports science.
By looking at how matter and energy interact, through observation, measurements and experiments, physicists seek to uncover the principles governing the physical universe. The scope of physics is enormous: ranging from the quarks inside nucleons in the nucleus of the atom, to the galaxies 46 billion light years away. A student of physics will learn about the laws and forces which govern these diverse forms of matter, as well as how to harness those laws in useful technology for everyday life.
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
9 periods a cycle
TOPICS INCLUDE
UNIT 1: WHAT IDEAS EXPLAIN THE PHYSICAL WORLD?
UNIT 2: WHAT DO EXPERIMENTS REVEAL ABOUT THE PHYSICAL WORLD?
UNIT 3: How do fields explain motion and electricity?
UNIT 4: How can two contradictory models explain both light and matter?
PREREQUISITES
ASSESSMENT
UNITS 1 & 2, three outcomes and an examination (each equally weighted at 25% overall mark) selected from;
Unit 3 (21% of study score)
Outcome 1 (1/3 of overall mark for Unit 3) from one of:
Outcome 2 (1/3 of overall mark for Unit 3) from one of;
Outcome 3 (1/3 of overall mark for Unit 3)
UNIT 4 (19% of study score)
Outcome 1 (30/95 of overall mark for Unit 4)
Outcome 2 (30/95 of overall mark for Unit 4)
Outcome 3 (35/95 of overall mark for Unit 4)
“But ask the animals, and they will teach you, or the birds in the sky, and they will tell you; or speak to the earth, and it will teach you, or let the fish in the sea inform you. Which of all these does not know that the hand of the Lord has done this? In his hand is the life of every creature and the breath of all mankind.” Job 12:7-10