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S Skills in Physics

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6 topics · 17 learning objectives

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  1. S1.1 Experimental techniques

    1. • Address safety, ethical and environmental issues.

    2. • Measure required variables with suitable precision. • Variables include mass, time, length, volume, temperature, force, current, potential difference, angle, sound and light intensity.

  2. S1.2 Technology

    1. • Use sensors, databases, simulations and video/image analysis to collect data.

    2. • Use spreadsheets, graphs and modelling to process data.

  3. S1.3 Mathematics

    1. • Use algebra, geometry, trigonometry, logs, rates, estimation and proportional reasoning. • Include equation manipulation and proportional reasoning.

    2. • Draw, combine, scale and resolve vectors; interpret free-body diagrams.

    3. • Use SI units, prefixes, symbols, significant figures and unit checks.

    4. • Record and propagate absolute, fractional and percentage uncertainties to suitable precision.

    5. • Construct, linearize and interpret graphs. • Include uncertainty bars, gradients, intercepts, maxima/minima and areas.

  4. S2.1 Exploring and designing

    1. S2.1.1Exploring

      • Use sources to form research questions, hypotheses and predictions.

    2. S2.1.2Designing investigations

      • Design investigations and justify variables, ranges and methods. • Include independent, dependent and controlled variables.

    3. S2.1.3Controlling variables

      • Control variables using calibration, insulation, friction/resistance reduction and background corrections.

  5. S2.2 Collecting and processing data

    1. • Record sufficient qualitative observations and quantitative data.

    2. • Process and interpret data, graphs, trends, relationships and outliers.

    3. • Assess accuracy, precision, reliability and validity.

  6. S2.3 Concluding and evaluating

    1. • Justify conclusions and discuss scientific context and uncertainty impacts.

    2. • Evaluate hypotheses, random/systematic errors, limitations and assumptions. • Suggest realistic improvements.