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Physics

Year 11 - Elective

Length of Course: Full Year
Department: Science and IT
Head of Department: Mrs Carina Jansen
Year Available: 2024

Physics seeks to understand and explain the physical world, both natural and constructed. It examines models and ideas used to make sense of the world. VCE Physics is an opportunity for students to undertake a range of inquiry tasks including laboratory experiments, data logging, simulations and animations.  Students pose questions, formulate hypotheses, collect and analyse data, evaluate methodologies and results, justify conclusions and communicate their findings.

Curriculum focus

Unit 1 - How is energy useful to society?

Students explore some of the fundamental ideas and models used by physicists to understand and explain the world. They consider thermodynamic principles by investigating heat and assessing the impact of human use of energy on the environment. Students investigate how electric circuits work and how electricity can be manipulated and used. They explore particles in the nucleus and explain nuclear energy.

Areas of Study include:

  • How are light and heat explained?

  • How is energy from the nucleus utilised?

  • How can electricity be used to transfer energy?

Unit 2 - How does physics help us to understand the world?

In this unit, students investigate, analyse and mathematically model the motion of bodies. They also analyse the forces that cause motion and concepts of energy and energy transformations related to the motion of bodies. Students will have the opportunity to explore real life applications of physics concepts.

Areas of Study include:

  • How is motion understood?

  • How does physics inform contemporary issues and applications in society?

  • How do physicists investigate questions?

Assessment

All assessments at Units 1 and 2 are school-based and consist of a semester exam and school assessed course work. The course work is a combination of practical tasks, assignments and tests. Practical work is a central component of learning and assessment. In unit 2 students must undertake an extended practical investigation.

Links

For more detailed information, please click on the link/s below:

Key Resource

  • Students need a scientific calculator

  • Students will order the textbook from the book list

  • Edrolo Units 1 & 2 Physics Resource will be purchased and distributed to students by the school (this will be charged on your College account)