Year 11 Physics Units 1 and 2 – Bellum Bellum Blended Learning Hub
Overview
In Unit 3 you will use Newton’s laws to investigate motion. You will explore the interactions, effects and applications of gravitational, electric, and magnetic fields to examine the motion of particles within a field. You will also investigate how fields can be used to produce and deliver electricity over large distances.
In Unit 4, you will explore how creative ideas and investigation shaped our understanding of the physical world. You will be introduced to wave and particle theories to model the properties of light and matter. You will learn how Einstein’s theories can explain the motion of very fast objects. You will also complete your own extended practical investigation to explore relationships of variables.
Unit 3 and 4
Practical work is a central component of learning and assessment and may include activities such as laboratory experiments, simulations, modelling etc. Students can complete laboratory experiments in their home school or using provided secondary data. You will also need an exercise book to use as your logbook for practical work. You will spend at least 15 hours of the Unit 3 course and 17 hours of the Unit 4 course completing practical work and scientific investigations.
Who is it for?
The Physics Units 3 and 4 course is intended for students who are curious about the way the world works, including quantum theory and relativity.
From a career’s perspective, students interested in pursuing courses such as engineering, science, information technology and architecture at university might also be interested in studying physics. It could also be helpful for several vocational courses that are offered at TAFE and for students interested in becoming a pilot.
What do you do?
Weekly work consists of an online quiz, completing past examination questions and practical activities. School-assessed Coursework tasks consist of applying physics concepts, analysing secondary data, problem-solving and evaluation of solutions to problems in physics.
Every few weeks, you will go to the Bellum Bellum Hub at Gippsland Tech School in Morwell. There you will conduct experiments, meet students from other schools and prepare for assessments.
What skills do you need?
There is no prerequisite for this course.
However, you will need some basic mathematical skills such as applying and manipulating algebraic equations, basic trigonometry relationships and Cartesian graphs to solve some physics problems.
What skills do you develop?
You will develop skills including:
- analytical and problem-solving skills
- data analysis skills
- critical thinking skills
- experimental techniques.
Requirements
Practical work is a central component of learning and assessment and may include activities such as laboratory experiments, simulations, modelling etc. Students can complete laboratory experiments in their home school or using provided secondary data. You will also need an exercise book to use as your logbook for practical work. You will spend at least 15 hours of the Unit 3 course and 17 hours of the Unit 4 course completing practical work and scientific investigations.
There is not a required textbook. If you wish to use a textbook to supplement your learning you may discuss this with your teacher once you are enrolled.
Scientific calculator (CAS calculators are not allowed)
Things to think about
Physics, more so than any other sciences, is the physical manifestation of mathematics. Students who excel in in this course are generally competent in mathematics up to the Year 10 level.
Are you interested in how the world works, from the smallest particles to the universe as a whole?
You are expected to spend two to four hours of independent self-study per week to complete the required weekly reading and tasks, as well as attending the online lessons. Do you have the time and dedication to do this?
Things you can do now
Watch the three videos below as they give you a feel for the different topics covered in the course.
Go to the VCAA website for more information about this subject.
Things to have a look at
Rainbows
How Does Fusion Power the Sun?
Newton’s 3 Laws