Introduction
Physics is one of the most fundamental natural sciences. It involves the study of universal laws, and of the behaviours and relationships among a wide range of physical phenomena. Through the learning of physics, students will acquire conceptual and procedural knowledge relevant to their daily lives. In addition to the relevance and intrinsic beauty of physics, the study of physics will enable students to develop an understanding of its practical applications in a wide variety of fields. With a solid foundation in physics, students should be able to appreciate both the intrinsic beauty and quantitative nature of physical phenomena, and the role of physics in many important developments in engineering, medicine, economics and other fields of science and technology. Study of the contributions, issues and problems related to innovations in physics will enable students to develop an integrative view of the relationships that hold between science, technology, society and the environment (STSE).
The curriculum attempts to make the study of physics interesting and relevant. It is suggested that the learning of physics should be introduced in real-life contexts. The adoption of a wide range of learning contexts, learning and teaching strategies, and assessment practices is intended to appeal to students of all abilities and aspirations, and to stimulate their interest and motivation for learning. Together with other learning experiences, students are expected to be able to apply their knowledge of physics, to appreciate the relationship between physics and other disciplines, to be aware of the interconnections among science, technology, society and the environment in contemporary issues, and to become responsible citizens.
Goals
The overarching aim of the Physics Curriculum is to provide physics-related learning experiences for students to develop scientific literacy, so that they can participate actively in our rapidly changing knowledge-based society, prepare for further studies or careers in fields related to physics, and become lifelong learners in science and technology. The broad aims of the curriculum are to enable students to:
1) develop interest in the physical world and maintain a sense of wonder and curiosity about it;
2) construct and apply knowledge of physics, and appreciate the relationship between physical science and other disciplines;
3) appreciate and understand the nature of science in physics-related contexts;
4) develop skills for making scientific inquiries;
5) develop the ability to think scientifically, critically and creatively, and to solve problems individually or collaboratively in physics-related contexts;
6) understand the language of science and communicate ideas and views on physics-related issues;
7) make informed decisions and judgments on physics-related issues; and
8) be aware of the social, ethical, economic, environmental and technological implications of physics, and develop an attitude of responsible citizenship.
Activities
Students participated in science lectures and activities held by the Chinese University of Hong Kong.
Students designed a roller-coaster and discussed factors that may influence its design in ”Disney’s World of Physics”.
At the STEAM carnival, students explained Boyle’s law with cotton candy.
Achievements
Huang Jiayu (first from the left) was awarded a certificate from the Astronomical Training Program for Secondary Students, which is co-organized by the Hong Kong Space Museum, the Department of Physics of the Chinese University of Hong Kong and the Hong Kong Astronomical Society.
