Our third year of physics focuses on the study of sound, light, heat and electricity. Simple, practical demonstrations will be created to show essential physical properties. Clear, scientific observation, questioning, thinking, analysis, documentation, illustration and writing will be emphasized.
Study of mechanics, in particular the Six Simple Machines.
A fast plunge through the universe, solar system, planets, rocks and minerals—more or less at the speed of sound. Topics will include the formation of Earth, time, fire, and change, The Underworld, plate tectonics, oceans and continents, fossils, formation of rocks, rypes of rocks, identifying rocks, crystals, gems, metals, minerals and l ife.
The theme here is that of the connections between physics and philosophy, and the issues involved are brought out by focusing upon optics. In this way the ground is also being prepared for the transition to quantum theory. Through the phenomenological assessment of a series of experiments, for instance, in terms of the light-beam model, the Fermat principle, the wave model and photon imaging, the main lesson aims to equip the students with the ability to see different ideas in relation to each other and to appreciate the epistemological positions involved in various explanatory approaches.
This year we have two primary goals, 1) a comprehensive review and deepening of all pre-algebraic understanding and skills, and 2) an introduction to algebraic thinking and problem solving.
This year we have two primary goals, 1) a comprehensive review of all pre-algebra skills, and 2) an introduction to algebraic problem solving. Because last year’s studies were disrupted, we’ll begin with a solid review. Much of this may be familiar, but the approach will be new, the focus on depth of understanding, and the content rigorous, interesting and challenging.
Sixth grade is an important year for developing a bridge between the concrete operations of arithmetic and the abstractness of algebraic thinking. Students typically arrive in sixth grade fluent in addition, subtraction, and multiplication using multi-digit whole numbers. They should have a solid understanding of all four operations with positive rational numbers. They also have an initial understanding of measurement, and how to represent and interpret data.
Taking a lead from a suggestion of Steiner’s (GA 300b 21.6.1922 german edition 1975:, p 103)) to tackle the achievements of modern physics (at that time the discovery of alpha, beta and gamma radiation), a tradition has grown up of teaching the fundamental phenomena of radiation in class 11. This is done in connection with electricity theory, electro-magnetism, electro-magnetic oscillations and waves, and finally through gas discharge experiments. This usually includes an introduction to atomic physics.
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