Senior Secondary 1 | Physics

Action steps

1. Define what physics is

2. Apply physics in the topics of automobile, space, aeronautics, electronics, communication, medicine, warfare, etc.

3. Describe career prospects in physics

Action steps

1. Use the concept of measurement of distance

2. Use the concept of direction

3. Describe how to use the meter rule, the Vernier caliper, and the micrometer screw gauge

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1. Define the concept of time

2. Describe ways of measuring time

Action steps

1. Understand the types of motion

2. Describe rotational and relative motion

3. Understand the cause and effects of motion

4. List and describe the types of forces

5. Define the coefficient of limiting friction

6. Describe the advantages and disadvantages of friction

7. List the methods of reducing friction

Action steps

1. Explain the concepts of speed and velocity

2. Use uniform/non-uniform and speed/velocity and distance/displacement-time graphs in solving problems

Action steps

1. Use concepts of uniform/non-uniform acceleration in solving problems

2. Use velocity-time graph-analysis of rectilinear motion (equations of uniformly accelerated motion) in solving problems

Action steps

1. Understand the concepts of scalars and vectors

2. Explain the difference between scalars and vectors

3. Understand vector representation, addition of vectors and resolution of vectors

Action steps

1. Understand what is meant by the terms work, energy and power

2. Determine how to apply work, energy and power in real life events

3. Explain what is meant by work done by a force field

4. Describe potential and kinetic energy

5. Explain what is meant by the conservation of mechanical energy

6. Explain what is meant by renewable energy resources and non-renewable energy resources

Action steps

1. Explain what is meant by the concept of temperature

2. Describe the effects of heat on therise/fall in temperature

3. Describe the effects of heat on the expansion/contraction of a metal

4. Describe the effects of heat on the change of state/phase of water

5. Describe the effects of heat on the change of resistance in a wire

6. Explain solids and its consequences and application

Action steps

1. Construct a scientific explanation oflinear expansivity

2. Explain how linear expansivity is related to area expansivity

3. Collect data to provide evidence of volume or cubic expansivity

Action steps

1. Conduct an investigation on the heat conduction process

2. Conduct an investigation on the heat convection process

3. Conduct an investigation on the heat radiation process

Action steps

1. Explain how an electric charge can be produced

2. Describe the difference between a static charge and a flow of charge

3. Apply scientific ideas about how to store electric charge

4. Explain how a lightning conductor works

Action steps

1. Explain what is meant by the concept of force fields

2. Describe the types of force fields (gravitational, magnetic and electric fields)

3. Identify the properties of force fields

Action steps

1. Explain what is meant by the concept of acceleration due to gravity

2. Measure the acceleration due to gravity on various falling objects of different shapes

Action steps

1. Explain what is meant by electric lines of force

2. State the distinction between electric current and potential difference

3. Describe how electric current can be produced

4. Explain what is meant by an electric circuit

5. Apply scientific principles to Electric conduction through materials

6. State a definition of Ohm’s law

7. Construct an explanation on how electrical work can be done in an electric circuit

Action steps

1. Develop models to describe the atomic composition of simple molecules and extended structures

2. Analyze and interpret data on the nature and size of molecules

3. Apply scientific principles and evidence to provide an explanation about states of matter

Action steps

1. Describe the arrangement of atoms in a crystal structure

2. Distinguish between crystalline and amorphous substances

Action steps

1. Define Hooke’s Law

2. Discuss work done by springs and elastic strings

Action steps

1. Explain what is meant by surface tension in liquids

2. Classify fluids according to their viscous properties

3. Give at least two examples of the application of surface tension and viscosity

Action steps

1. Explain how measurement units such as temperature in 0F, power in horse power, oil in barrels and land in acres are examples of applying physics principles

2. Construct a simple electrical continuity tester

3. Explain the use of solar energy panels for energy supply

Action steps

1. Distinguish between resultant and equilibrium forces

2. Provide examples of the stability of bodies

3. Illustrate the principle of the moment arm of a force

Action steps

1. Describe the shape and dimensions of the earth using a globe

2. Use a simple pendulum experiment to determine the acceleration due to gravity

Action steps

1. Use the collision of two bodies in a straight line to investigate conservation of linear momentum

2. Investigate elastic and inelastic collisions of two trolleys

Action steps

1. Calculate the kinetic and potential energy of a body

2. Use a lever to demonstrate the working of a simple machine

3. Use a body falling under gravity to demonstrate conservation of mechanical energy

Action steps

1. Throw a rubber ball against a vertical wall and watch the path the ball takes as it bounces back

2. Measure the range, maximum height, time of flight of the rubber ball

Action steps

1. Define simple harmonic motion

2. Demonstrate the relationship between linear and angular speed

3. Demonstrate the relationship between linear acceleration and angular acceleration

4. Demonstrate the relationship between period and frequency

5. Calculate the potential energy in a simple pendulum

6. Calculate the kinetic energy in a simple pendulum

7. Explain what is meant by forced vibration

8. Explain what is meant by resonance