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UNIT 1 – How is energy useful to society?
Focus:
In this unit students examine some of the fundamental ideas and models used by physicists in an attempt to understand and explain energy. Models used to understand light, thermal energy, radioactivity, nuclear processes and electricity are explored. Students apply these physics ideas to contemporary societal issues: communication, climate change and global warming, medical treatment, electrical home safety and Australian energy needs.
Assessment:
Data Analyses, Practical Reports, Topic Test.
Prerequisite:
Students are strongly recommended to have successfully studied Core Science and Physical Sciences at Year 10 Level.
UNIT 2 – How does physics help us to understand the world?
Focus:
In this unit students explore the power of experiments in developing models and theories. They investigate a variety of phenomena by making their own observations and generating questions, which in turn lead to experiments. Students investigate the ways in which forces are involved both in moving objects and in keeping objects stationary and apply these concepts to a chosen case study of motion. Students choose one of eighteen options related to climate science, nuclear energy, flight, structural engineering, biomechanics, medical physics, bioelectricity, optics, photography, music, sports science, electronics, astrophysics, astrobiology, Australian traditional artefacts and techniques, particle physics, cosmology and local physics research. The selection of an option enables students to pursue an area of interest through an investigation and using physics to justify a stance, response or solution to a contemporary societal issue or application related to the option. A student-adapted or student-designed scientific investigation involves the generation of primary data and draws on key science skills and key knowledge.
Assessment:
Data Analyses, Practical Reports, Topic Test.
Prerequisite:
Students should have successfully studied Unit 1 Physics prior to studying this Unit.
UNIT 3 – How do fields explain motion and electricity?
Focus:
In this unit students use Newton’s laws to investigate motion in one and two dimensions. They explore the concept of the field as a model used by physicists to explain observations of motion of objects not in apparent contact. Students compare and contrast three fundamental fields – gravitational, magnetic and electric – and how they relate to one another. They consider the importance of the field to the motion of particles within the field. Students examine the production of electricity and its delivery to homes. They explore fields in relation to the transmission of electricity over large distances and in the design and operation of particle accelerators. Assessment Data Analyses, Practical Reports, Topic Test.
Prerequisite:
Students should have successfully completed Units 1 and 2 Physics prior to studying this unit.
Other:
Students will need to have their own scientific calculator. Models include Casio Scientific Calculator fx-82AU PLUS or Casio Scientific Calculator fx-82AU PLUS II.
UNIT 4 – How have creative ideas and investigation revolutionised thinking in physics?
Focus:
In this unit, students explore some monumental changes in thinking in Physics that have changed the course of how physicists understand and investigate the Universe. They examine the limitations of the wave model in describing light behaviour and use a particle model to better explain some observations of light. Matter, that was once explained using a particle model, is re-imagined using a wave model. Students are challenged to think beyond how they experience the physical world of their everyday lives to thinking from a new perspective, as they imagine the relativistic world of length contraction and time dilation when motion approaches the speed of light. They are invited to wonder about how Einstein’s revolutionary thinking allowed the development of modern-day devices such as the GPS. A student-designed practical investigation involving the generation of primary data and including one continuous, independent variable related to fields, motion or light is undertaken either in across both Units 3 and 4, and is assessed in Unit 4. The design, analysis and findings of the investigation are presented in a scientific poster format.
Assessment:
Data Analyses, Practical Reports, Topic Tests.
Prerequisite:
Students are strongly recommended to have successfully studied Unit 3 Physics prior to studying this Unit.
Other:
Students will need to have their own scientific calculator. Models include Casio Scientific Calculator fx-82AU PLUS or Casio Scientific Calculator fx-82AU PLUS II. Practice Exam: $7.
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