Physics Teachers’ Conference
2004
Merryn Dawborn-Gundlach
Jill Crawford
Methodist Ladies’ College, Kew

Senior academic studies with an international focus

• 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

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

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

 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

 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

 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

 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

Experimental Sciences
 Biology
 Chemistry
 Design Technology
 Physics
 Environmental Systems

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

• Physics & Physical Measurement
• Mechanics
• Thermal Physics
• Waves
• Electricity & Magnetism
• Atomic & Nuclear Physics

• Measurement and Uncertainties
• Mechanics
• Thermal Physics
• Wave Phenomena
• Electromagnetism
• Quantum Physics and Nuclear
Physics

• Option A – Mechanics (SL)
• Option B – Quantum Physics and Nuclear
Physics (SL)
• Option C – Energy Extension (SL)
• Option D – Biomedical Physics (SL & HL)
• Option E – The History & Development of
Physics (SL & HL)
• Option F – Astrophysics (SL & HL)
• Option G – Relativity (SL & HL)
• Option H – Optics (SL & HL)

• Standard Level • Higher Level
Paper 1 20 %
Paper 2 32 %
Paper 3 24 %
Internal Assessment
24%
Paper 1 20 %
Paper 2 36 %
Paper 3 20 %
Internal Assessment
24 %

• 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.

CONTENTS
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EXPT
• 1
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2
• 3
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4
• 5
• 6
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7
• 8
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9
• 10
• 11
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12
• 13
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14
• 15
• 16
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17
• 18
• 19
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20
• 21
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22
• 23
• 24
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25
TITLE
Waves in One Dimension
Waves in Two Dimensions : Reflection of Waves
Waves in Two Dimensions : Refraction of Waves
Waves in Two Dimensions : Diffraction of Waves
Waves in Two Dimensions : Interference Patterns
The Formation of Images in Plane Mirrors
Curved Mirrors
The Image Formed by a Concave Mirror
The Refraction of Light
Total Internal Reflection
Lenses
The Image Formed by a Convex Lens
Spherical Aberration and Caustic Curves
The Speed of Sound
The Speed of Sound (Resonance Method)
Analysis of Motion at Constant Velocity
Analysis of Motion at Variable Velocity
Motion due to Gravity
Equilibrium
Newton’s Second Law of Motion
Conservation of Momentum
Work Done Along an Inclined Plane
Specific Heat Capacity (Part A and B)
Specific Latent Heat of Fusion of Water
Boyle’s Law

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26
• 27
• 28
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29
• 30
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31
• 32
• 33
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34
• 35
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36
• 37
• 38
•
39
• 40
•
41
• 42
• 43
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44
• 45
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46
• 47
• 48
•
49
• 50
Electrostatics
Currents in Circuits
Energy Transfer in Circuits
Relationship between Potential Difference and Current
Factors Affecting Resistance
Resistors in Series and Parallel
Controlling Currents and Potential Difference
Resistive Components in Circuits
Internal Resistance
The Field of a Current Carrying Loop
Magnetic Field of a Solenoid (Current Balance)
Electric Motors
Electromagnetic Induction
A Model Transformer
The Half Life of Protactinium
Centripetal Force
Determination of the Universal Gravitation Constant
Investigation of Oscillating Systems
Interference and Diffraction of Light
Determination of the Velocity of Light
Refraction of Particles
Franck-Hertz Experiment
Measuring Resistance and EMF by Null Methods
Use of a Cathode Ray Oscilloscope
Image Formed by an Astronomical Telescope

Sample topics:
• Skiing
• Science in the theatre
• Surface tension of water
• Weathering
• Causes and effects of coastal erosion
• Science of sport
• Summertime
• Pollution in the city

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.

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.

• 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, databased, survey based or a theoretical/computer model. The recommended style is for the EE to be experimental.

• 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.

• Strengths
Interesting course
Support is provided via the Online Curriculum Centre
Criterion referenced
Cooperative Learning model – students are not ranked against each other
• Difficulties
Content driven
Lack of hours
Workshops
Applications
Textbooks
Isolation

Please feel free to contact us or help us set up a network of Victorian Physics teachers in the IB system.
• dawborlm@mlc.vic.edu.au
• crawfojk@mlc.vic.edu.au