PHYSICS CURRICULUM - INTERMEDIATE LEVEL

INTRODUCTION

Scientific and technological advances require the revision of the science curriculum, especially that of physics. Furthermore, the results of research on physics teaching point to the necessity of defining teaching objectives and of including modern methods of evaluation in the curriculum.

The curriculum shows the relation between physics, technology, and society. It is supposed to adapt to the needs and abilities of the student, to make him/her aware of the problems of security and the misuse of energy, to develop a responsible attitude towards his environment and to understand some of the scientific messages emitted by the media.

This curriculum takes into account the diversity of pupils and their previous knowledge, and enables the pupil to master some simple experimental techniques.

It is expected that the curriculum will enable the pupil in grade seven to acquire a scientific attitude based on observation, initiation to experimental work, and help him/her use some measuring instruments. The pupil will be able to observe and analyze physical phenomena surrounding him/her.

However, in grade eight, the curriculum aims to help the pupil to acquire some of the elements of scientific method and to develop a positive attitude towards the environment, thus allowing him/her to value some of the information transmitted by the media, and teaching him/her some important concepts relative to his/her environment.

In grade nine, the curriculum is supposed to stimulate the pupil’s curiosity by increasing his/her information about his/her environment and enables him/her to analyse certain surrounding phenomena, and acquire some practical skills.

OBJECTIVES

Teaching physics at the intermediate level should:

- contribute to the realization of the general objectives of teaching science.

- reinforce and complete the scientific knowledge acquired at the primary level.

- insure the necessary background knowledge for the pupil to pursue academic studies or shift to technical and professional education.

- reveal the specific character of physics and its relation to other sciences.

- awaken scientific vocations.

- provide the pupil with scientific education based on the knowledge of physical facts and concepts.

- prepare the pupil for the experimental method which develops the abilities of observation, measurement, collecting data, interpretation, and verification.

- prepare the pupil for the understanding of scientific messages found in diagrams, graphs and media.

- prepare the pupil for correct scientific expressions by using appropriate terminology and simple mathematical formalism.

- prepare the pupil to work in groups.

- make the pupil aware of the problems of energy.

CONTENTS

Grade Seven

1) Matter

- Solid and liquid states.

- Gaseous state.

- Structure of matter.

- Change of state and expansion.

2) Electricity

- Circuit.

- Measurement of current and potential difference.

- Grouping of lamps.

- Magnets and coils.

Grade Eight

1) Mechanics

- Motion and speed.

- Force: effects and classification.

- Work , power, and forms of energy.

2) Waves

- Characteristics of waves.

- Sound waves.

- Electromagnetic waves and colors.

3) Optics

- Rectilinear propagation of light.

- Reflection of light and plane mirror.

Grade Nine

1) Optics

- Refraction of light.

- Lenses and eye.

2) Electricity

- Alternating current.

- Ohm’s law and grouping of resistors.

- Power and energy.

3) Heat

- Quantity and transfer of heat.

- Thermal equilibrium.

4) Mechanics

- Equilibrium of a body under the action of two forces. Hooke’s law.

- Pressure in liquids.

- Archimedes’ priniciple.