Year 11 Physics
(Units 1 & 2)

COURSE OUTLINE

Unit 1 - How is energy useful to society?

In this unit students examine some of the fundamental ideas and models used 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.

Outcome 1

On completion of this unit the student should be able to model, investigate and evaluate the wave-like nature of light, thermal energy and the emission and absorption of light by matter.

Outcome 2

On completion of this unit the student should be able to explain, apply and evaluate nuclear radiation, radioactive decay and nuclear energy.

Outcome 3

On completion of this unit the student should be able to investigate and apply a basic DC circuit model to simple battery-operated devices and household electrical systems, apply mathematical models to analyse circuits, and describe the safe and effective use of electricity by individuals and the community.

Unit 2: How does physics help us to understand the world?

In this unit students explore the power of experiments in developing models and theories. They investigate the ways in which forces are involved both in moving objects and in keeping objects stationary. 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 in Physics.

Outcome 1

On completion of this unit the student should be able to investigate, analyse, mathematically model and apply force, energy and motion.

Outcome 2

On completion of this unit the student should be able to investigate and apply physics knowledge to develop and communicate an informed response to a contemporary societal issue or application related to a selected option.

Outcome 3

On completion of this unit the student should be able to draw an evidence-based conclusion from primary data generated from a student-adapted or student-designed scientific investigation related to a selected physics question.

ASSESSMENT TASKS

Unit 1 & 2

Suitable assessment tasks selected from the following:

• A report of a laboratory or fieldwork activity including the generation of primary data

• Reflective annotations related to one or more practical activities from a logbook

• An analysis and evaluation of generated primary and/or collated secondary data

• A critique of an experimental design, process or apparatus

• A modelling or simulation activity

• A report of the design, building, testing and evaluation of a device

• An explanation of a selected physics device, design or innovation

• A physics-referenced response to an issue

• A report of a selected physics phenomenon

• A media analysis/response

• An infographic

• Problem-solving involving physics concepts and/or skills

• A report of an application of physics concepts to a real-world context

• An analysis, including calculations, of physics concepts applied to real-world contexts

• Comparison and evaluation of two solutions to a problem, two explanations of a physics phenomenon or concept, or two methods and/or findings from practical activities

• A scientific poster.

• A report of a practical investigation (student-designed or adapted) using an appropriate format, for example a scientific poster, practical report, oral communication or digital presentation.

The level of achievement for Units 1 and 2 is also assessed by an examination in each unit.

No parent payment is required.