Physics
A brief description of the course followed in Years 7 and 8.
PhysicsA brief description of the course followed in Years 7 and 8. |
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In Years 7 and 8, the aim is to stimulate an interest in the subject, to introduce basic ideas, and develop a thoughtful approach to experimental work. All the work is practically based, with the pupils being steered towards their own conclusions. The course is divided into a number of basic sections. Year 7Making Measurements: The topic begins with the need for standard scientific units and their common multiples. Estimation of small and large quantities is explored. Area and volume measurements lead naturally into work on density, via floating and sinking. The measurement of time is looked at and the factors which determine the “rate of tick” of a pendulum. The Solar System and Light: The movement of the Sun, Moon and stars across the sky is considered in terms of historical models and our modern ideas of the Solar System and the Universe. Light travelling in straight lines and its reflection allows the study of shadows, eclipses and the phases of the Moon. Forces: The effect of forces are investigated, including contact forces such as friction and non-contact forces such as gravitational and electrostatic. The effect of forces on springs introduces graph-plotting and the idea of proportionality. Pressure: A look at pressures between solid surfaces and in liquids and their many applications is followed by work on atmospheric pressure and its effects. Year 8Electricity: Circuit boards are used to introduce the pupils to the ideas of series and parallel circuits, and the measurement of current and voltage. Some “special” components such as diodes and LEDs are investigated. Energy: Energy transfers and work done, different forms of energy and the principle of Conservation of Energy are studied. The Sun as the ultimate source of most of our energy is discussed, along with renewable and non-renewable energy sources and the need for socially responsible energy management policies. Thermal Energy and the Particle Model of Matter: Evidence for the particle model of matter is looked at with work on crystals, and solids, liquids and gases are studied. Temperature and its link with thermal energy are followed by investigations on thermal expansion of solids and liquids. Magnetism: What are magnetic fields? We look at how to plot them and study the magnetic effect of an electric current. The strength of an electromagnetic is investigated along with a look at reed switches and electromagnetic relays. Turning forces and machines: The turning effect of a force and the principle of moments are investigated with levers and balance beams. Simple machines such as pulley systems and ramps are also explored. Our aim is that, by the end of these two years, the pupils have a confident grounding in the techniques that they will need for their examination courses in Physics, and have developed an interest in the Physical World around them. Dr R V Lewis |
R.S.Personal & Social EducationEnglishHistoryGeographyMathematicsPhysicsChemistryBiologyLanguagesArt and DesignDesign and TechnologyMusicDramaInformation TechnologyPEBack to the Introduction |
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