Lesson 1:  Introduction to Physics and Physical measurement

 

Aims

  • Introduce the realm of physics
  • use of models
  • Define and put into context position and time
  • How to define a scale
  • What is a fixed point
  • Measurement of length
  • Volume and derived units
  • Mass
  • Density
  • Fundamental quantities
  

TOK

  • How we use quantities to model the universe.
  • What is the meaning of Time, if nothing ever changed would there be time.
  • Is there an absolute zero of position?
  • What zero do we use in the measurement of time?
  • Observation, the first steps in the scientific method.
  • How do we know that the length of a meter rod is constant?
  • Why is the speed of light so important?

 

Notes

Students think its strange that we start from such basic concepts but it is important that everyone understands what we are talking about. Some students have never studied physics before and most of those who have haven't studied in English.

 

Test 

Units & quantities

Units and quantities answers

Measurement and uncertaities mc test

Units problems

 

 

Text Book

Page 1 and 2

 

Homework

 Problems 1-8

 

Vocabulary list

Define, definition
Position 
Time 
Constant 
Unit
Observe, observation
Model 
Universe
Quantity, quantitative
 

 SMART board Notes

   

 

 

 

Resources

Basic stuff around the lab, ruler pendulum etc.

Photo of stars useful for talking about position etc. I cover one star with black and make it flash on the SMART board by using undo button. This is to get the idea of time.

 

 

 

 

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