Physics Triple Spring Term

Learners will be taught on a rota on the following topics. 

Applied forces; Forces and motion apply to everything that moves. Learners must be able to understand that by being able to understand how forces and motion are linked we can predict outcomes when objects are propelled and collide. Scalars and vectors are reintroduced as basic concepts and the mathematical similarity of forces and vectors is revealed. Learners then progress to understanding how knowledge of applied forces is used in accident investigations and the implications for road safety. The unit concludes with the concept of momentum and how this further enhances knowledge of moving objects and collisions leading to the use of safety devices designed to prevent or limit injury.

Electricity in the home; Electricity and electrical devices and appliances are a common feature of everyday life. Learners should be aware of how electrical appliances and devices work and how to use them safely. The first lesson covers domestic appliances with an essential practical component of wiring a 3 pin plug correctly. Safety is of paramount importance here. The second lesson covers the efficiency of electrical devices and how they convert electrical energy into other forms of energy that are useful to us. In the third lesson, mathematical concepts are introduced so that learners can understand how power is related to potential difference, current and time. In the final lesson, the National Grid is discussed with an emphasis on how transformers work in order to deliver power to every home and business in the UK with maximum efficiency.

Light; This unit offers an opportunity for learners in C11 to refresh their memories of the properties of waves that they studied in C9. They will be able to build upon this knowledge and revise one of the required practicals. This will help prepare them for learning about how different materials absorb, reflect, transmit and refract different waves. Learners will deepen their understanding of refraction and be able to draw wave front diagrams to help them describe this process. 

Learners who are studying triple science will then look at how light is reflected by mirrors to compare different types of reflection, as well as learning about how lenses can produce different types of image. Learners will also develop their skills with using rulers and protractors to construct ray diagrams.

Triple science students will then revisit their learning about how waves can be used for exploration which they studied in C9. They will be asked to apply their newly-deepened understanding of the behaviour of waves to these ideas. 

There are a number of practicals and demonstrations that can be used to show the behaviour of waves, e.g. dispersion of white light, refraction of light rays.

Applied forces, light and electricity in the home 

End of unit assessment will consist of a 40 mark test

Midway assessment set by class teacher which could be an exam question

Learners will receive guidance in a variety of ways.  These include marked assessments, reports, feedback in books, 1:1 interaction, Google Classroom.