Physics - Parents Page

Why Include Physics In Home Schooling

According to the National Curriculum: learning physics helps students see the world in a new way. It builds confidence by teaching learners how to solve tricky problems and helps them feel able to build a better future for themselves and others.

Physics is about studying matter, energy, and how they interact. Scientists all over the world work together in physics, and their discoveries help shape the future of humanity.

What we learn in physics is very important for new technology. These ideas help create inventions and tools that support the world’s economy and improve everyday life.

Physics also helps us understand the whole universe — from huge galaxies in space to tiny particles that are too small to see. It is the base for many other sciences, such as chemistry, astronomy, biology, and medical science.

Physics tries to explain how nature works using maths. It is often called the most important science because it helps explain how everything works, from light and energy to the universe itself.

Recording The Learning

For our learners on the Autistic Spectrum, this topic often really grabs their attention. Sometimes learners become so interested that they learn more than I know! When that happens, we find a physics teacher to help support their learning.

For our dyslexic learners, writing lots and lots of information is not always helpful. Instead, they can record their ideasusing audio or video, such as on a phone. This is a perfectly good way to show their learning.

Mind maps are another great way to record information. Here’s how to make one:

Start in the middle of the page with a picture of your topic. Use at least three colours.
Use pictures, symbols, and signs to help show ideas.
Choose key words and write them clearly in upper or lower case.
Put one word or picture on each line.
Draw lines from the centre to each idea. The lines should get thinner as they move outwards.
Make each line the same length as the word or picture on it.
Use lots of colours to make it clear and interesting.
Create your own style — everyone’s mind map can look different.
Show links between ideas and make important ones stand out.
Keep your mind map clear and tidy, with ideas spreading out from the centre.

Following A Set Programme of Learning

There are some great TV programmes on the BBC that can help you learn science in a fun way. Look out for shows presented by Professor Brian Cox — he is excellent at explaining science clearly and excitingly.

The topics you will learn about include energy, motion and forces, waves, electricity and magnetism, matter, and space physics.

You can also join us on trips to London to visit the Royal Institution, where you can watch interesting science lectures and see science come to life.

Including Physics In The Learning Routine

Here at Orchard Training, we like to include physics in our projects, so it feels natural and fun. For example, in our Space Project, we also learn some basic physics to help us understand how space works along side standard form maths so we understand the size and distances involved.

You don’t need any fancy or expensive equipment to learn physics. I have a telescope that I’m happy to lend out. Each project tells you what resources you’ll need and suggests places to visit, all planned with a home-school budget in mind.

The biggest cost is usually visiting places of interest. Some places are free, while others charge for tickets. To save money, you can plan ahead, combine trips, and bring a packed lunch — just like a real school trip!

Orchard Training