Course Syllabus grade 9/10 Physics
--Course description:The pre-IB physics course is a two semester course which will be covered in three semesters. It is designed for high school students who will be building a strong foundation for further study of science courses at the IBDP and other pre-university science courses. The physics course will also lay the foundation for any student with ambition of studying physics at the university level. The course covers the following topics: General physics [Measurement and Mechanics] Thermal physics Properties of waves Light Sound Electricity and Magnetism Atomic physics The course aims to develop in students, abilities and skills that are relevant to the study and practice of physics, and also useful in everyday life.
--Course requirements and required materials:The course requires that the student should have a good knowledge of middle school science and an enquiring mind. The syllabus is concept driven and the students are expected to develop knowledge and understanding in relation to scientific phenomenon, laws and theories during the course. Therefore the students are encouraged to have an open mind and a critical approach to the study of the high school physics course.
Note taking is advised during the lesson presentation and therefore every student is expected to maintain a notebook. Regular home work will be given and students are expected to complete them on time. --Goals/objectives:Science education at Newman School aims to provide opportunities to students for scientific study and creativity within a global context that will stimulate and challenge students. Keeping with the aims of the IBO, science education in the school proposes to develop an ability to analyze, evaluate and synthesize scientific information among the student community. It also intends to raise awareness of the moral, ethical, social, economic and environmental implications of using science and technology. The objective of science education at Newman School is to help students achieve the following:
Demonstrate an understanding of:
- scientific facts and concepts
- scientific methods and techniques
- scientific terminology
- methods of presenting scientific information.
Construct, analyze and evaluate:
- hypotheses, research questions and predictions
- scientific methods and techniques
- scientific explanations.
Demonstrate the personal skills of:
- Cooperation
- Perseverance
- responsibility
Demonstrate the manipulative skills necessary to carry out scientific investigations with precision and safety.
Assessment/Grading procedures:Assessment will be carried out regularly in the form of written tests based on the topic studied. Tests will be administered to students every week. These will be short tests of 15 minutes duration to check the understanding of the lessons by the student. There will also be a test of longer duration at the end of each topic. The questions for these tests (both weekly and end of topic) will consist of multiple choice questions and/or short answer questions. All tests and examination scores will be taken into account for grading. Students are expected to perform well in all the tests/examinations.
--Classroom management procedures: Students at the high school level are expected to be self-motivated and work sincerely throughout the course. The teacher will always be there to help them but the onus lies with the student to perform. The role of the teacher is to facilitate student learning. Lessons will be presented in different forms but mostly will consist of the lecture-discussion format. Students are expected to participate actively in the class discussions. They are also encouraged to ask questions and clarify their doubt as and when they may arise in their minds. However it is expected that there will be no disruption on the flow of the lesson presentation. Every student will be given equal opportunity to participate in class discussions/ clarify doubts.
Evaluation criteria for Labs: Design.