11–12Physics 11–12 Syllabus (2025)

Use observations and scientific knowledge and understanding to propose questions and hypotheses for scientific investigations involving primary and secondary data

Evaluate questions and hypotheses based on scientific knowledge

Modify questions and hypotheses to reflect new evidence

Justify the use of independent, dependent and controlled variables, and experimental controls in a valid scientific investigation

Explain how reliable primary data is obtained

Assess the reliability of secondary data and information when planning

Assess potential hazards and their associated risks to develop a risk assessment

Select appropriate materials and technologies to design a scientific investigation

Discuss ethical issues in the development and use of scientific knowledge

Apply safe work practices and manage risks while conducting a scientific investigation

Construct and manipulate identified materials and technologies to perform scientific investigations

Use equipment appropriately and systematically to collect and record data, information, evidence and findings

Gather data and information from a range of secondary sources

Select qualitative and quantitative information from texts, diagrams, flow charts, tables, databases, graphs and multimedia resources

Apply quantitative processes to data, including unit conversions

Select and use a range of representations to organise data and information, including graphs, keys, models, diagrams, tables and spreadsheets

Extract data and information from a wide range of sources and acknowledge these sources using an accepted referencing style

Describe the Cultural Knowledges and observations of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples and examine how these contribute to the development of scientific knowledge

Describe qualitative and quantitative relationships between variables

Explain patterns and trends, including inconsistencies in data and information

Assess error, uncertainty and limitations in data and include calculations of percentage error, range, mean and standard deviation

Assess the validity, reliability, accuracy and precision of data and information

Interpret data and information to identify outliers, make predictions, explain results and draw conclusions

Evaluate data and information to suggest improvements or further investigations

Use appropriate significant figures to express quantitative solutions

Use appropriate scale prefixes for powers of 10: femto (f) = 10^-15, pico (p) = 10^-12_, nano (n) = 10^-9, micro (μ) = 10^-6, milli (m) = 10^-3, kilo (k) = 10³, mega (M) = 10⁶, giga (G) = 10⁹, tera (T) = 10¹² and peta (P) = 10¹⁵

Apply scientific principles to address real-world applications and problems

Use modelling and cause-and-effect relationships, including mathematical examples, to make predictions, explain phenomena, and solve problems

Evaluate and modify a scientific investigation in response to new evidence

Explain why current scientific knowledge is both contestable and testable by further inquiry

Construct evidence-based arguments and recognise the role of peer review in the evaluation of scientific practices, solutions or conclusions

Select and use appropriate digital, visual, written and oral media to convey scientific arguments

Apply appropriate scientific notations, language and nomenclature

Use evidence and correct scientific language and terminology to address a specific audience and purpose in a variety of contexts