ICT in Physics at WGHS
During this course you will experience and use a considerable amount of ICT. It will form a natural part of the course and the development of your skills in this area will be of considerable importance when you study in University and when you enter the world of work. If you have not got a computer at home please let me know and the school will make every effort to see that you are not disadvantaged because of this.
If you are unsure of any procedure ask for help. The computer is a wonderful helpmate for your studies. I want you to be happy and comfortable with its use and to appreciate how it can save time and improve the quality of your work in science.
Mrs. Jones puts learning material and model solutions to problems onto the WWW via thist site. Cyberphysics is a reference site - it contains a lot of background information as well as work that should be known from KS3 and KS4. Her e-mail address is 'clickable' from the site. There are also a lot of useful links and 'fun' revision exercises like 9-Lives (a form of hangman that helps you get familiar with terminology and its correct spelling and usage) and crosswords..
Interactive spreadsheets (click-link on left hand menu bar) are available for girls to practise their calculation skills. These allow girls to set themselves questions and have the spreadsheet work out what the answer should be. They can then get valuable practice at manipulating equations and using their calculators. Practice is important - they need to be quick and confident with calculations!
Interactive syllabuses are available at A level too - make use of them!
Use of ICT in Module 1
Module 1 is delivered by Miss Hewitth but there are notes prepared by Mrs. Jones on Cyberphysics that you may use to supplement your notes from her. The notes for the particle section of this are here. You will have to extract them into a document and print them out for your use. Ensure you choose a suitably sized font for this.
There is a lot of information on the WWW about particle research. Your background reading should involve looking at suitable sites.
You may be asked to prepare and deliver a Power Point presentation on a topic during this module.
There are Interactive Excel Spreadsheets for the photon equation, wave-particle duality and the electron volt. Theer are also may electricity based spreadsheets: Ohm's Law, resistivity, power dissipation, EMF and r, resistors in series and parallel, lost volts and potential division. Check it out!
The program 'croc clips' in Crocodile Physics is a computer model of electricity. It enable you to make and test virtual circuits - wiring in measuring instruments that include modeling of physical properties such as internal resistance. This will be used in lessons and should also form part of your independent study time program. It enables you to safely experiment with electrical circuits without the need for supervision. You can access this program from home.
Use of ICT in Module 2
Module 2 is being delivered by Miss Williams but there are notes prepared by Mrs. Jones on Cyberphysics that you may use to supplement your notes from her. .
The program 'Crocodile Physics' includes a computer model of mechanics forces and collisions. It enables you to make and test collision systems- modeling includes physical properties such as friction coefficients. This will be used in lessons and should also form part of your independent study time program. It enables you to safely experiment without the need for supervision. You can access this program from home.
The school network has a Science School modeling program that includes an excellent terminal velocity section... make good use of it!
Datalogging of experiments will be used in this course.
Java Applets are used to illustrate physical principles
Practical Assessment
Practical assessment will be ongoing thorughout the course. You will be assessed in each practical as to how confidently and competently you choose, set up and use various items of equipment. The overall assessment of your skills will be transferred into a grade that will count towards your final assessment.
You will perform an ISA in each module. The mark for the best one will count towards your practical grade. The ISA is very similar to the GCSE ISA in structure.
You will be making considerable use of Excel Spreadsheets in the Practical component of your course. The spreadsheet can be a useful tool to analyse results quickly and efficiently. It enables you to spot anomalies easily during the result taking session, doing away with the need to plot a rough graph (saving considerable time and effort). You will be taught to design a spreadsheet for this purpose and to enhance the skills for presentation of such sheets that you learned lower down the school.
Datalogging of experiments will be used in this course.
ICT in A2 Physics
At A2 a similar regime is in operation. You will already be proficient in a wide range of ICT techniques and uses from the AS course. Their use will be continued at A2.
The only new component at A2 is the use of CALRAD - an interactive learning tool that is employed in Universities, training doctors to handle radioactive materials safely. We also have a new Radioactivity modelling program that will enable you to carry out 'virtual' experiments with radioactive sources. Both of these can be accessed during your free periods at school via the school network.