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.
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.
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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