Science - Use the force 

Subject Name: Science

Unit of Study: Use the force 

Brief Description: This science unit of study prepares students for the VCE Physics topic of motion.  Students gain an understanding of how an object’s motion (direction, speed and acceleration) is influenced by contact forces. They develop an understanding of the concept of energy and how energy transfer is associated with phenomena involving motion. They will investigate how the concepts of forces and energy apply to systems ranging in scale from atoms to the universe itself. Students will study the Law of Conservation of energy and examine models for comparing energy changes within systems. Students will investigate Newton’s Laws of Motion.

Scaffolding Learning

At the conclusion of this unit of study students will have: 

An understanding of key knowledge

• Calculate physical quantities of objects in various scenarios, including interactions of forces and exchange of energy (VCSSU132) (VCSSU133)
• Perform scientific experiments under controlled conditions with the use of scientific equipment(VCSIS136)
• Analyse collected data to confirm scientific theories relating to energy transfer and heat transfer (VCSIS139)

Attained these key skills 

• Designing and constructing appropriate graphs to represent data (VCSIS137)
• Use knowledge to evaluate investigation conclusions, including assessing the approaches used to solve problems (VCSIS139)
• Critically analysing the validity of information obtained from primary and secondary sources, suggesting possible alternative explanations and describing specific ways to improve the quality of data (VCSIS138)
• Communicate scientific ideas (VCSIS140)

Demonstrated the Victorian curriculum standards and capabilities

• Science as a Human Endeavour
• Science understanding - physical science, earth and space science 
• Science Inquiry skills 

Assessment Tasks

Students will be required to complete the following assessment tasks:

• Practical Investigations
• Watch Gravity 

Resources

• N/A

Pathways

This unit of study could provide students with the following pathway.