Physical Sciences
Staff
Mrs V Kummar
Ms Adongo
Overview
The subject Physical Sciences focuses on the investigation of physical and chemical phenomenon through scientific inquiry. Scientific models, laws and theories are used to explain and predict what is observed in our physical environment.
Purpose
The study of Physical Sciences at Umtata High School aims to develop the natural interest that learners have in investigating the world around them. The Learning Outcomes guide the teaching of this subject and places emphasis on what the learners should be able to do. The Learning Outcomes are briefly outlined below:
Learning Outcome 1: Practical Scientific Inquiry and Problem-Solving Skills: The student is able to use process skills, critical thinking, scientific reasoning and strategies to investigate and solve problems in a variety of scientific, technological, environmental and everyday contexts. Process skills are emphasized.
Learning Outcome 2: Constructing and Applying Scientific Knowledge:The student is able to state, explain, interpret and evaluate scientific and technical knowledge and can apply it in everyday contexts. Acquisition and development of knowledge is emphasized.
Learning Outcome 3: The Nature of Science and its Relationship to Technology, Society and the Environment: The student is able to identify and critically evaluate scientific knowledge claims and the impact of this knowledge on the quality of socio-economic, environmental and human development. The development of responsible attitudes and values is emphasized.
Brief Policy
With the study of Physical Sciences in Grades 10–12, we aim to achieve the following:
To inculcate a love for the Physical Sciences in our students and to show its relevance in their life and world;
To provide opportunities for students:
To develop scientific and creative thinking,
To analyse and evaluate data, formulate hypotheses, suggest testing procedures,
To develop communication skills whereby they can express themselves accurately and confidently in a scientific context, to develop a respect for the environment and the need to preserve it;
To instil in students a strong sense of responsibility and sound work ethic, respect for self and others so that a stable and effective learning environment may be created in our classrooms or laboratories;
To produce students who, should they choose to do so, would be capable, well-prepared and confident in pursuing studies of the Physical Sciences at tertiary level.
Academically:
To expand on the foundations developed in the General Education and Training band in the Natural Sciences;
To develop an understanding of Physical Sciences based on the principles of conceptual progression (whereby concepts are introduced in one grade, and then expanded on and developed further in successive grades) and conceptual coherence (whereby links between various topics and also subjects are explored);
To develop a programme of year-long assessment which is in line with the assessment standards criteria as per outlined in the National Curriculum Statement, and which will enable the Physical Sciences Department to assess and report on students in a way which is fair and will serve to reflect their efforts and abilities in an authentic and meaningful manner
Homework
In Grades 10 through to Grade 12, Physical Sciences does have an allocated lesson for every day in the teaching cycle. The department philosophy is that a smaller volume of well-selected homework, properly done and thoroughly marked is more beneficial than a greater volume which is rushed, poorly done or not completed. However, students need to be aware that this subject demands regular and consistent effort: should there be no formal homework set for a particular day, it is absolutely essential that the student consolidates any content covered on that day, or previous days, as a method of on-going revision.
Grade 10 Information
Curriculum
Mechanics (12,5%)
Motion in one dimension
Gravity and Mechanical Energy
Waves, Sound and Light (12,5%)
Transverse pulses
Transverse waves
Geometric Optics
Electricity and Magnetism (12,5%)
Magnetism
Electrostatics
Electric Circuits
Matter and Materials (25%)
Observing, classifying and using materials – a macroscopic view
Particles substances are made of
The atom: basic building block of matter
Chemical Change (18,75%)
Physical and chemical change
Representing chemical change
Chemical Systems (18,75%)
Global cycles: the water cycle, the nitrogen cycle
The hydrosphere
Tests and forms of Assessment
|
DATE |
|
1. Practical Tasks (x 5) |
Terms 1, 2, 3 |
|
2. Controlled Tests (x 4 ) |
Terms 1, 2, 3 |
|
3. Research Project |
Term 3 |
|
4. Internal June examination |
Mid – year |
|
5. Examination (Grade 10: Internal, Grade 11: External) |
|
Examinations
Mid-year Examinations are internally set and marked.
Textbooks
Physical Sciences for All – Grade 10 (Ubbo Smith, Anita Botha, Josef de Beer, Nombulelo Phewa). Macmillan South Africa (Pty) Ltd 2005
Physical Sciences 10: Theory and Workbook NCS, Book 1 and Book 2, Compiled by A. Olivier, Revielo Publishers. (*Students purchase and retain.)
Grade 11 Information
Curriculum
Chemical Change (18,75%)
Quantitative aspects of chemical change
Energy and chemical change
Types of reactions
Chemical Systems (18,75%)
Exploiting the lithosphere
The atmosphere
Tests and forms of Assessment
|
DATE |
|
1. Practical Tasks (x 5) |
Terms 1, 2, 3 |
|
2. Controlled Tests (x 4 ) |
Terms 1, 2, 3 |
|
3. Research Project |
Term 3 |
|
4. Internal June examination |
Mid – year |
|
5. Examination (External) |
|
Examinations
Mid-year Examinations are internally set and marked.
Examination November (External)
Textbooks
Physical Sciences explained – Grade 11 (Ron Jones, Neil Berens), Juta Gariep 2006
Theory and Workbook NCS, Book 1 and Book 2, Compiled by A. Olivier, Revielo Publishers. (*Students purchase and retain.)
Grade 12 Information
Curriculum
Mechanics (12,5%)
Motion in two dimensions
Work, power and energy
Waves, Sound and Light (12,5%)
Doppler Effect
Colour
2D and 3D wavefronts
Wave nature of matter
Electricity and Magnetism (12,5%)
Electrodynamics
Electronics
Electromagnetic radiation
Matter and Materials (25%)
Optical phenomena and properties of materials
Organic molecules
Mechanical properties
Organic macromolecules
Chemical Change (18,75%)
Rate and Extent of reaction
Electrochemical reactions
Chemical Systems (18,75%)
Chemical industry: resources, needs and the chemical connection
Tests and forms of Assessment
|
DATE |
|
1. Practical Tasks (x2) |
Terms 1, 2, 3 |
|
2. Controlled Tests (x 3) |
Terms 1, 2, 3 |
|
3. Research Project |
Term 3 |
|
4. Internal June examination |
Mid – year |
|
5. Trial Examination (External: Provincial) |
|
|
6. November Examination (External: National) |
|
Controlled Tests and Practical Tasks: A minimum of two each are required for CASS recording purposes. We generally assess up to four controlled tests and larger practical investigations per Grade. In addition, regular smaller class tests are set.
Examinations
Outcomes: Covering all LO’s with emphasis on LO’S 1 & 2
Mid-year Examinations are internally set and marked
In 2008, only one paper will be written in June due to the fact that only a small portion of the Grade 11 Chemistry has carried over from 2007 and the larger portion of Grade 12 Chemistry will be completed in Term 3. This arrangement holds for 2008 only, subject to the Education Department expanding on the content to be carried over from Grade 11 in 2009.
External assessment in Grade 12
Grade 12 students are expected to write two papers in the final end–of–year external examination. The outline and details for the end–of–year examination are identical to those provided for the trial examinations.
Textbooks
Mind Action Series: Physical Sciences 12 Textbook and Workbook, (M. Mann). Allcopy Publishers 2007
Study & Master Physical Sciences 12 (Karin Kelder, Derick Govender, Jagathesan Govender). Cambridge University Press 2007
