Rationale
Physical World Science Life Skills enables students to better understand the physical world and how it works. Students have the opportunity to develop an understanding of the concepts of motion, light, sound and energy and meaningfully apply this in a range of everyday contexts.
The rationale of the Physical World Science Life Skills 11–12 Syllabus aligns with the rationale of the Physics 11–12 Syllabus, for a common entitlement of learning, as described below.
Physics provides students with opportunities to use observations to develop models of real-world problems and identify relationships between variables. Students make predictions based on observations, models and interconnected theories. They explore how Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Knowledges and Cultures complement Western scientific processes, providing social and cultural context to the study of Physics.
The course enables students to develop knowledge to understand the physical world. Physics develops student’s knowledge and understanding of abstract concepts, allowing them to comprehend a range of physical phenomena, including new discoveries that may constitute emerging and future technologies.
Knowledge of physics is applied through the development of essential skills in Working scientifically, such as critical thinking, problem-solving, data analysis and scientific investigation. Knowledge of the physical world supports students to recognise valid and reliable scientific information and apply it to new challenges and complex problems. Through this knowledge, they make sense of diverse physical phenomena in current and future scientific contexts.
Physics creates opportunities for a wide range of post-school pathways. Physics provides a foundation for interdisciplinary studies which allows students to make connections between various fields of science and technology. It also plays a crucial role in developing future technologies and helping solve global challenges to support the continued advancement of science and society.