Congratulations! You made it into Level 2 Physics, 2014.

We learn:

Good Science: What affects what? What else matters? What’s the pattern?Mind your language.

Waves: Why do glasses work? AM vs FM radio. The beach. Lasers. Your stereo.

Mechanics: Things that go bang. Things that go round. Things you throw.Do the twist. Bridges.

Nuclear Physics: Reactors. Fall-out. E=mc2.

Electricity and Magnets: Motors. Generators. Lights. Power Bills. Makes your hair stand on end.

The Large Hadron Collider, CERN, Switzerland.

Assessment and reassessment

The Level 2 Physics course has one internally assessed and three externally assessed Standards.

Standards assessed externally will have tests at the end of each topic. They will also be assessed in the practice exam in Term Three. Both these assessments provide a grade for your report and will be used if you need compassionate assessment. You should revise for these and take them seriously. External assessments will take place in November.

There is ONLY ONE assessment opportunity for the internal standard, Nuclear Physics (2.5). Make it count. No re-assessment.

The externally assessed Standards Mechanics (2.4), Waves (2.3) and Electromagnetism (2.6) will be formatively assessed using tests and exams during the year. See the NCEA Student Handbook for more details.

Caution! Your grades for your formative assessments WILL COUNT if you are unable to sit the externals. Prepare for them by practising.

It is imperative YOU catch up on missed work. Use a buddy to catch up on handouts and notes if you are away, or kiss those good grades goodbye.

Rules and RegulationsThere are some very specific rules about assessments. Please refer to your NCEA handout, particularly about the ownership of work and plagiarism.

Field TripsThere is hopefully one local field trip. The cost is minimal.

Stationery A 1B5 or 1B8 execrcise books for writing notes and exercises in. A 20+ page clear file, for storing photocopies OR stick them into your book. We order workbooks (approx $25) at the start of the year. These are required.

HomeworkThere will be homework given out most nights and you are expected to do approximately 2 hours per week. Part of this will be revision.YOUR OWN REVISION IS ABSOLUTELY VITAL FOR SUCCESS IN THIS COURSE.If you need help organising your time, please ask.

TutorialsAsk for them as needed. Ask. ASK!!! The minute you don’t understand something, arrange to fix it THAT DAY. Don’t let it build up.

Laboratory workEnjoy the practicals and take them seriously. Be safe and respect the equipment.

Achievement Standards

Approx weeks

Standard Number

Title Credits Internal/External

6 2.3AS91170V2

Demonstrate understanding of waves 4 External

9 2.4AS91171V2

Demonstrate understanding of mechanics

6 External

4 2.5AS91172V2

Demonstrate an understanding of atoms and radioactivity

3 Internal

9 2.6AS91173V2

Demonstrate an understanding of electricity and electromagnetism

6 External

Total credits: 19

VERY IMPORTANT:

If anyone needs MORE credits than these, PLEASE LET ME KNOW TODAY.

A possibility exists for another internally assessed Standard.

Approximate Year Plan, 2014

Term 1 Intro to Physics

Nuclear Physics – INTERNALLY ASSESSED!!

Mechanics (2.4)

Term 2 More Mechanics (2.4)

Waves (2.3)

Term 3 Electricity and Magnetism (2.6)

MAC Exams

Term 4 Revision and Practice

Exams