Physics - Parents Page
Why Include Physics In Home Schooling
According to the National Curriculum teaching physics involves . "helping learners to see the world in a new way. It involves building learners confidence in their ability to solve challenging problems, and empowering them to build a better future for themselves and others.
The study of matter, energy and their interactions - is an international enterprise, which plays a key role in the future progress of humankind.
Physics generates fundamental knowledge needed for the future technological advances that will continue to drive the economic engines of the world.
In the beginning, Physics encompasses the study of the universe from the largest galaxies to the smallest subatomic particles. It is the basis of many other sciences, including chemistry, oceanography, seismology, and astronomy and can be applied to biology or medical science.
Physics is the science that attempts to describe how nature works using the language of mathematics. It is often considered the most fundamental of all the natural sciences and its theories attempt to describe the behavior of the smallest building blocks of matter, light, the Universe and everything in between."
Recording The Learning
For our learners on the Autistic Spectrum, this is very much a topic that grabs the attention, on occasions some of my learners have moved out of my level of knowledge, when this happens - we find a physics teacher.
For our dyslexic learners, writing reams of information - is not helpful. Record their responses and thoughts in an audio/visual method, like using your phone, is sufficient evidence.
Mind mapping is a great way to record information. Here are the basics:
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Start in the centre with an image of the topic, using at least 3 colours.
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Use images, symbols, codes, and dimensions throughout your mind map.
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Select key words and print using upper or lower case letters.
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Each word/image is best alone and sitting on its own line.
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The lines should be connected, starting from the central image. The lines become thinner as they radiate out from the centre.
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Make the lines the same length as the word/image they support.
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Use multiple colours throughout the mind map, for visual stimulation and also for encoding or grouping.
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Develop your own personal style of mind mapping.
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Use emphasis and show associations in your mind map.
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Keep the mind map clear by using radial hierarchy or outlines to embrace your branches.
Following A Set Programme of Learning
There are some lovely TV programmes that will help. Look out for any programmes presented by Professor Brian Cox as he is an excellence science communicator.
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The topics to be covered are energy, motion and forces, waves, electronic and electromagnetism, matter and space physics.
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Why not join us on our trips in to London to the Royal Institution for their science lectures.
Including Physics In The Learning Routine
Here, at Orchard Training we try to embed biology into our projects, where it sits naturally and can be enjoyed. For example, in our project on Space we include basic physics.
You don’t need any fancy, expensive equipment to teach physics. I have a telescope which I am happy to loan out. Each project will list the resources you will need and suggestions of where to visit. They are written with the home-schooler’s budget in mind.
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The biggest expense will be visiting places of interest.
Whilst some don’t charge - others do. The main cost is the travel and ticket price: plan ahead, combine the visit with other activities, take a packed lunch – just like a real educational trip!