Teaching IB Physics in AKA Schools

1. Teaching IB Physics in AKA Schools Gioko Anthony (E Ds)

2. The International Baccalaureate

3. What is the International Baccalaureate Diploma? • a comprehensive two-year program • a pre-university course of studies with a global focus • assessment mainly in Year 12 • fulfils the requirements of various national education systems

4. Unique characteristics • curriculum based on six academic areas • with a core of special features incorporating: • Theory of Knowledge (TOK) • Creativity, Action, Service (CAS) • Extended Essay

5. Language A1 Group 1 Individuals& SocietyGroup 3 Language Group 2 Experimental Science Group 4 Mathematics Group 5 Group 6 Arts & Electives

6. Student Program • one subject from each of the six subject groups • at least 3 and not more than 4 at Higher Level (HL) • remainder at Standard Level (SL) • participate in the core program • submit an extended essay • follow TOK course • engage in CAS activities

7. IB Assessment • criterion referenced • reflects attainment of knowledge and skills • variety of assessment methods to value content and process • takes into account different learning styles and cultural patterns

8. Award of the IB Diploma • up to 3 additional points for extended essay and work in TOK • each subject performance graded on a 7 point scale • Diploma requires minimum total of 24 points plus satisfactory completion of the extended essay, TOK course and CAS activities

9. University Recognition • allows ready access to all major world universities • within Victoria, all IB students also sit the GAT and receive a ‘notional ENTER score’ • some HL subjects give advanced placement or credit on tertiary courses

10. Group 4 Subjects Experimental Sciences • Biology • Chemistry • Design Technology • Physics • Environmental Systems

11. Standard Level Core 80 Options (2) 30 Investigations 25–30 Group 4 Project 10-15 Total 150 hours Higher Level Core 80 Additional Higher Level 55 Options (2) 45 Investigations 45-50 Group 4 Project 10-15 Total 240 hours Course Specifications

12. Course Specifications • SL group 4 curriculum model • SL Total teaching hours 150 • Theory 110 • Core 80 • Options 30 • Practical work 40 • Investigations 30 • Group 4 project 10 • HL group 4 curriculum model • HL Total teaching hours 240 • Theory 180 • Core 80 • Additional higher level (AHL) 55 • Options 45 • Practical work 60 • Investigations 50 • Group 4 project 10

13. Course – SL (all students) • Physics & Physical Measurement • Mechanics • Thermal Physics • Waves • Electricity & Magnetism • Atomic & Nuclear Physics

14. Assessment outline SL

15. Assessment outline HL

16. Core • Physics and physical measurement • Mechanics • Thermal physics • Oscillations and waves • Electric currents • Fields and forces • Atomic and nuclear physics • Energy, power and climate change

17. Course – Additional Higher Level Motion in fields Thermal physics Wave phenomena Electromagnetic induction Quantum physics and nuclear physics Digital technology

18. Options SL Option A: Sight and wave phenomena Option B: Quantum physics and nuclear physics Option C: Digital technology Option D: Relativity and particle physics Options SL and HL Option E: Astrophysics Option F: Communications Option G: Electromagnetic waves Options HL Option H: Relativity Option I: Medical physics Option J: Particle physics

19. Internal Assessment • 8 Assessment criteria are used by the teacher to mark a selection of short and long term investigations. The student & / or teacher selected pracs are then externally moderated by the IBO. • The Practical Scheme of Work (PSOW) is the complete course of practical work planned by the teacher and acts as a summary of all the investigative activities (including the Group 4 Project) carried out by the student. • SL students must complete at least 40 hours, including the Group 4 project and HL students 60 hours.

20. Practical Scheme of Work (PSOW)

21. Practical Scheme of Work (PSOW)

22. Practical Scheme of Work (PSOW)

23. Practical Scheme of Work (PSOW)

24. Practical Scheme of Work (PSOW)

25. Group 4 Project Sample topics: • Water Skiing • Science in the theatre • Surface tension of water • Weathering • Causes and effects of coastal erosion • Science of sport • Summertime • Pollution in the city

26. Group 4 Project MLC Group 4 Project 2003 SUMMERTIME and the LIVING IS EASY 1. Groups of 4 or 5 students: 1 Physics 1 or 2 Chemistry 1 or 2 Biology 2. Examination of the topic and definition of activities: (2-4 hours) Each group is to decide on a theme of common interest for the topic Summertime and the Living is Easy. Within each group, students from each Science subject are to brainstorm ideas and note relevant aspects of the theme to be studied. You will need to investigate one aspect of Physics, and one or two aspects of Biology and Chemistry, depending on the number of students in your group and how many subjects they are representing. 3. Action: (5-6 hours/Science subject) Investigate the topic from the perspective of the individual science discipline. There should be collaboration with other group members, and findings should be shared with other members of the group. One poster, depicting the investigation of the topic from the perspective of each of the individual Science disciplines, is to be constructed for the final presentation and evaluation process. Note: Students undertaking two Science subjects are required to contribute to both areas of study. These students must complete twice the Action time (10-12 hours) as students only undertaking one Science subject.

27. Group 4 Project 4. Evaluation: (2-4 hours) The emphasis during this stage will be on students sharing their findings, both successes and failures, with other groups, staff and invited guests. Each group will be required to present its findings using the poster format, and a 5-7 minute oral presentation from each student for each area of Science that the student studied will be required. The presentation should be a collaborative effort involving all the members of your group. Note: while reference to the poster during the presentation is permitted, reading from the poster is strictly disallowed. The Group 4 project will contribute toward your Internal Assessment and may be considered in your planning (a), planning (b) and personal skills categories. The Log Book Each student must keep a log book, regularly documenting their ongoing contribution to the project. The log book will contain: A record of what was accomplished during each session spent on the project. The time spent on each activity during the project. All notes, resources, etc. collected during the investigation. You will need to consult with your supervising teacher about your activities during each session. Your supervising teacher will need to sign your book to verify the work completed during each session.

28. Extended Essay • One of the requirements of the IB Diploma is for students to write a 4000 word Extended Essay. • This may be done in any one of the 6 subjects the student takes. • To assess the EE, there are several General Criteria and also Subject Specific Criteria. • In Physics, the EE may be experimental, data-based, survey based or a theoretical/computer model. The recommended style is for the EE to be experimental.

29. EE – Sample Topics • An investigation in acoustics: the testing of transmissive, reflective and absorptive properties of some common materials. • On blowing bubbles in liquid: effects of detergent on surface tension. • The variation in resistance of a wire subjected to different strains. • The use of interference fringes to measure small displacements.

30. IB Physics Contacts Facilitator • giokomaina@gmail.com • gioko@akam.ac.ke-Facilitator Extended Essay • eeakam.wikispaces.com-Extented essay • eeakam.blogspot.com-Extended Essay CLASS • akamdiplomaphysics.wikispaces.com • group4experimentalsciencesp.blogspot.com