Albany Senior High School/Coursebook/2PHY

What is this course about?
The word Physics comes from the greek word fusis meaning natural things. Physics studies natural phenomenon in the areas of mechanics, electricity, waves and nuclear physics.

Physicists are inquisitive, so you will investigate the answers to questions about events that occur in the world around you. These topics will range from parts of the atom to observations of distant galaxies, yet all the topics can be related to phenomenon that you can observe every day.

What will I learn?
Skills you will learn as a Physicist are:


 * how to think scientificaly and understand the nature of science
 * use basic laws to explain situations you observe, both qualitatively (explaining in words) and quantitatively (using formula and numerical values)
 * how to carry out an investigation and analyse trends and relationships in data that you collect
 * explain technical or biological applications of Physics in the world around you and their impact on society

What sorts of things will I do?
As a Physicist you will be

Connected

Understand how physics links to the world around you and your everyday lives. Use physics theory to explain or help understand what you see. Recognise that physics is used in areas such as sports, engineering, communication, medicine and many more...

Curious

Be a lifelong learner who has a sense of curiosity, ask questions about what you see and why things work.

Big Ideas you will study in Physics

These standards are required as part of the course
AS91168 is a portfolio of reports of five experiments completed during term 3. All internal standards require students to work on these in class and in their own time. The work students submit for these assessments is to be their own work and students will be asked to sign authenticity statements to confirm this.

What do I need to be able to study L2 physics?

 * It is highly recommended that students have passed, with merit or above, the internal assessment AS90935" Carry out a practical physics investigation that leads to a linear mathematical relationship, with direction" and the mechanics external exam AS90940 "Demonstrate understanding of aspects of mechanics" in the level 1 Science course
 * A good understanding of the following areas of maths - measurement, calculation of area, Pythagoras, trigonometry and algebra
 * If you do not have the above you need to talk to the Teacher in charge of Physics (Rachel Cann)

Are there any recommended texts?
The write on workbook "Physics 2 Workbook for NCEA level 2" by Rob Boasman will be used throughout the course. This will be available to purchase through the school at the begining of the year.

To study for external examinations the following texts are recommended:


 * StudyPass level 2 Physics fold out notes and revision guide (these can be ordered through the school later in the year at a discounted price, you will be informed in class)
 * NCEA Level 2 Physics Study Guide, ESA Publishers, D Housden (ISBN: 978-1-927153-37-6)