Term 2 lessons cover sections PW2, PW3 and PW4 of the stage 5 NSW Physics syllabus.
In L1, students are introduced to kinematics. Students learn to: explain the relationship between distance, speed and time; relate acceleration to a change in speed and/or direction as a result of a net force; explain the difference between speed and velocity; describe the relationships between displacement, time velocity and acceleration, using the equations of motion.
In L2, students learn more about forces. By the end of the lesson, they should be able to describe the relationship between force, mass and acceleration. They should also be able to analyse qualitatively and quantitatively everyday situations involving motion in terms of Newton’s laws.
In L3 consists entirely of harder mechanics questions. Most questions are typical year 11 ones e.g. mass on an inclined plane, elevator questions, boats in water etc.
In L4, students extend their knowledge of electricity. They learn to: describe voltage, current and resistance in terms of energy applied, carried and dissipated; describe the relationship between voltage, resistance and current; and explain this relationship in terms of Ohm’s law. Because the lesson is quite short, there is an extension section on power which the students can fill in.
In L5, students revise circuit diagrams. They then compare the characteristics of series and parallel electrical circuits.
In L6, students compare the applications of series and parallel electrical circuits. They also learn about recent examples where scientific or technological developments have involved specialist teams from different branches of science, engineering and technology.
In L7, students extend their knowledge of energy and energy transfers. They learn to: apply the law of conservation of energy to account for the total energy involved in energy transfers and transformations; describe how, in energy transfers and transformations, a variety of processes can occur so that usable energy is reduced and the system is not 100% efficient; compare energy changes in interactions in sport activities.
In L8, students investigate the energy efficiency of appliances and relate this to a household energy account. They also research how engineers and architects employ scientific concepts and principles in designing energy-efficient devices and buildings. After this lesson, students should be able to discuss, using examples, how the values and needs of contemporary society can influence the focus of scientific research in the area of increasing the efficiency of the use of electricity by individuals and society.
After L9, students should be able to discuss viewpoints and choices that need to be considered in making decisions about the use of non-renewable energy resources. L10 tests the student’s understanding of the topics covered.