The first year of Senior Secondary School (SS1) is a crucial stage for students studying Physics. It sets the foundation for more advanced concepts in the subject. A well-structured scheme of work is vital to ensure effective teaching and learning throughout the academic year. In this article, we present a comprehensive scheme of work for SS1 Physics, covering the first, second, and third terms.
Recommended
SCHEME OF WORK FOR SS1 PHYSICS FIRST TERM
Week 1: Introduction to Physics and Measurement
– Definition and branches of physics
– Fundamental quantities and their units
– Measurement techniques and instruments
– Accuracy, precision, and significant figures
– Scientific notation and unit conversions
Week 2: Scalar and Vector Quantities
– Definition of scalar and vector quantities
– Differentiating between scalars and vectors
– Addition and subtraction of vectors
– Resolution of vectors into components
– Vector multiplication (dot product and cross product)
Week 3: Motion 1
– Definition of Motion and Types
– Displacement, velocity, and acceleration
– Graphical analysis of motion (distance-time, speed-time graphs)
Week 4: Motion 2
– Equations of motion (constant acceleration)
– Free fall and projectile motion
– Applications and examples of motion in a straight line
Week 5: Forces
– Introduction to forces
– Contact and non-contact forces
– Equilibrium of forces
Week 6: Laws of Motion
– Newton’s laws of motion
– Inertia and mass
– Applications of Newton’s laws (friction, tension, normal force)
Week 7–8: Work, Energy, and Power
– Definition of work and energy
– Work-energy theorem
– Kinetic and potential energy
– Power and its units
– Conservation of mechanical energy
Week 9-10: Pressure and Properties of Matter
– Introduction to pressure
– Pressure in fluids (Pascal’s principle)
– Atmospheric pressure and barometers
– Buoyancy and Archimedes’ principle
– Properties of matter (density, specific gravity)
SCHEME OF WORK FOR SS1 PHYSICS SECOND TERM:
Week 1: Light and Optics
– Introduction to light and its properties
– Reflection of light (laws of reflection, plane mirrors)
– Refraction of light (laws of refraction, lenses)
– Optical instruments (microscopes, telescopes)
– Applications of optics in daily life
Week 2: Sound and Waves
– Introduction to sound waves
– Characteristics of sound (pitch, frequency, amplitude)
– Wave properties (wavelength, period, speed)
– Reflection, refraction, and diffraction of sound waves
– Applications of sound waves (music, communication)
Week 3-4: Electricity and Circuits
– Electric charge and current
– Ohm’s law and resistors
– Series and parallel circuits
– Electric power and energy
– Safety precautions in electrical circuits
Week 5–6: Magnetism and Electromagnetism
– Introduction to magnetism
– Magnetic fields and forces
– Permanent magnets and electromagnets
– Electromagnetic induction
– Applications of electromagnetism (generators, transformers)
Week 7-8: Heat and Thermodynamics
– Introduction to heat and temperature
– Thermal expansion and contraction
– Heat transfer (conduction, convection, radiation)
– Laws of thermodynamics
– Applications of thermodynamics in everyday life
Week 9-10: Atomic Structure and Radioactivity
– Introduction to atoms and atomic structure
– Subatomic particles (protons, neutrons, electrons)
– Atomic models (Bohr model, quantum mechanics)
– Radioactivity and nuclear decay
– Applications and uses of radioisotopes
SCHEME OF WORK FOR SS1 PHYSICS THIRD TERM:
Week 1–2: Wave Optics
– Interference of light waves
– Young’s double-slit experiment
– Diffraction of light waves
– Single-slit diffraction
– Polarisation of light
Week 3–4: Electricity and Magnetism
– Electric circuits and Kirchhoff’s laws
– Capacitors and capacitance
– Magnetic fields and forces on charged particles
– Electromagnetic induction and Faraday’s law
– Transformers and their principles of operation
Week 5-6: Heat and Thermodynamics
– Thermal equilibrium and temperature scales
– Heat transfer (conduction, convection, radiation)
– Laws of thermodynamics (first and second laws)
– Heat engines and efficiency
– Refrigeration and the Carnot cycle
Week 7-8: Modern Physics
– Introduction to modern physics
– Quantum theory and energy quantization
– Photoelectric effect and Einstein’s explanation
– Dual nature of light and matter (wave-particle duality)
– Atomic and nuclear structure (Bohr model, isotopes)
Week 9–10: Space Physics and Astronomy
– The solar system and its components
– Celestial bodies (stars, galaxies, comets, asteroids)
– Hubble’s law and the expanding universe
– The Big Bang theory and cosmic microwave background
– Space exploration and its significance
This SS1 Physics Scheme of Work provides a structured guide for both teachers and students, ensuring that the curriculum is effectively covered within each term. It is crucial for educators to adapt and customize the scheme of work based on the specific school’s curriculum, resources, and the learning pace of the students. Through diligent adherence to this scheme of work, both teachers and students can achieve optimal success in mastering the subject of physics. Good luck with your physics journey!
