IB Diploma Programme: Science Course Outline

Course description:

• The IB Diploma Program physics course exposes students to this most fundamental experimental science, which seeks to explain the universe itself - from the very smallest particles to the vast distances between galaxies. Students develop traditional practical skills and techniques and increase facility in the use of mathematics, the language of physics. They also develop interpersonal skills as well as information and communication technology skills, which are essential in modern scientific endeavors and are important life-enhancing, transferable skills in their own right. Students, moreover, study the impact of physics on society, the moral and ethical dilemmas, and the social, economic and environmental implications of the work of physicists. Throughout this challenging course, students become aware of how scientists work and communicate with each other. Further, students enjoy multiple opportunities for scientific study and creative inquiry within a global context.
• The IB physics class will feature a broad treatment of major physics concepts from an experimental, theoretical and practical application viewpoint. Students will conduct experiments on a regular basis and use the results of these experiments to develop underlying principle ideas. Students will be expected to design, conduct and analyze some of these experiments with little or no specific instruction; other experiments will have directions but still require students to make conscious decisions at critical points rather than simply follow a prescribed path. By collecting and analyzing data, making and testing predictions and rethinking their understanding, students will develop strong science process skills and an ability to think critically and logically.
• Once students form a theory based on experimental evidence, they will be asked to extend the idea to new situations. This will include solving both theoretical and practical problems based on the underlying principle. When possible, students will test their predictions. Throughout this process, students will be asked to justify their conclusions in front of their peers.

Group 4 Aims:

Through studying biology, chemistry or physics, students should become aware of how scientists work and

1. communicate with each other. While the scientific method may take on a wide variety of forms, it is the
2. emphasis on a practical approach through experimental work that characterizes these subjects.
3. The aims enable students, through the overarching theme of the Nature of science, to:
4. 1. appreciate scientific study and creativity within a global context through stimulating and challenging
5. opportunities
6. 2. acquire a body of knowledge, methods and techniques that characterize science and technology
7. 3. apply and use a body of knowledge, methods and techniques that characterize science and technology
8. 4. develop an ability to analyse, evaluate and synthesize scientific information
9. 5. develop a critical awareness of the need for, and the value of, effective collaboration and
10. communication during scientific activities
11. 6. develop experimental and investigative scientific skills including the use of current technologies
12. 7. develop and apply 21st-century communication skills in the study of science
13. 8. become critically aware, as global citizens, of the ethical implications of using science and technology
14. 9. develop an appreciation of the possibilities and limitations of science and technology

10. develop an understanding of the relationships between scientific disciplines and their influence onother areas of knowledge.

Assessment Objectives:

The assessment objectives for biology, chemistry and physics reflect those parts of the aims that will be formally assessed either internally or externally. These assessments will center upon the nature of science. It is the intention of these courses that students are able to fulfill the following assessment objectives:

1. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:

a. facts, concepts and terminology

b. methodologies and techniques

c. communicating scientific information.

2. Apply:

a. facts, concepts and terminology

b. methodologies and techniques

c. methods of communicating scientific information.

3. Formulate, analyse and evaluate:

a. hypotheses, research questions and predictions

b. methodologies and techniques

c. primary and secondary data

d. scientific explanations.

4. Demonstrate the appropriate research, experimental, and personal skills necessary to carry outinsightful and ethical investigations.

ATL Skills:

Developing thinking skills, social skills, communication skills, self-management skills and research skills integral to the experience of students in any of the group 4 courses is their experience in the classroom laboratory or in the field. Practical activities allow students to interact directly with natural phenomena and secondary data sources. These experiences provide the students with the opportunity to design investigations, collect data, develop manipulative skills, analyze results, collaborate with peers and evaluate and communicate their findings.

 Syllabus outline:

PSOW and Group 4 project:

• Give an outline of appropriate laboratory exercises that have been organized and will be done for the specific science course.
• Discuss how the science teachers plan to collaborate for the group 4 project

ASSESSMENT OUTLINE—SL

(First assessment 2016)