Physics Syllabus: GRADES 10 - 12
Physics Syllabus: GRADES 10 - 12
Physics Syllabus: GRADES 10 - 12
PHYSICS SYLLABUS
GRADES 10 – 12
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9 789982 005258
ISBN 9982-00-525-1
PHYSICS SYLLABUS
GRADES 10 - 12
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Prepared and Written by The Curriculum Development Centre
P.O. Box 50092
Lusaka - Zambia
2013
© Curriculum Development Centre, 2013
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic,
mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise without prior written permission of the copyright owner.
ISBN: 9982-00-525-1
The syllabus was produced as a result of the Curriculum review process carried out by the Ministry of Education, Science, Vocational Training and Early
Education under the auspices of the Curriculum Development Centre (CDC). The curriculum reform process started way back in 1999 when the Ministry of
Education commissioned five (5) curriculum studies which were conducted by the University of Zambia. These studies were followed by a review of the
lower and middle basic and primary teacher education curriculum. In 2005 the upper basic education National survey was conducted and information from
learners, parents, teachers, school managers, educational administrators, tertiary institutions traditional leader's civic leaders and various stakeholders in
education was collected to help design a relevant curriculum.
The recommendations provided by various stakeholders during the Upper Basic Education National survey of 2005 and National symposium on curriculum
held in June 2009 guided the review process.
The review was necessitated by the need to provide an education system that would not only incorporate latest social, economic, technological and political
developments but also equip learners with vital knowledge, skills and values that are necessary to contribute to the attainment of Vision 2030.
The syllabus has been reviewed in line with the Outcome Based Education principles which seek to link education to real life experiences that give learners
skills to access, criticize, analyse and practically apply knowledge that help them gain life skills. Its competences and general outcomes are the expected
outcomes to be attained by the learners through the acquisition of knowledge, skills, techniques and values which are very important for the total
development of the individual and the nation as a whole.
Effective implementation of Outcome Based Education requires that the following principles be observed: clarity of focus, Reflective designing, setting
high expectations for all learners and appropriate opportunities.
It is my sincere hope that this Outcome Based syllabus will greatly improve the quality of education provided at Grade 8 and 9 as defined and recommended
in various policy documents including Educating Our Future`1996 and the `Zambia Education Curriculum Framework `2013.
Chishimba Nkosha
Permanent Secretary
MINISTRY OF EDUCATION, SCIENCE, VOCATIONAL TRAINING AND EARLY EDUCATION
The syllabus presented here is a result of broad-based consultation involving several stakeholders within and outside the education system.
Many individuals, institutions and organizations were consulted to gather their views on the existing syllabus and to accord them an opportunity to make
suggestions for the new syllabus. The Ministry of Education wishes to express heartfelt gratitude to all those who participated for their valuable
contributions, which resulted in the development of this syllabus.
The Curriculum Development Centre worked closely with other sister departments and institutions to create this document. We sincerely thank the
Directorate of Teacher Education and Specialized Services, the Directorate of Planning and Information, the Directorate of Human Resource and
Administration, the Directorate of Open and Distance Education ,the Examinations Council of Zambia, the University of Zambia, schools and other
institutions too numerous to mention, for their steadfast support.
We pay special tribute to co-operating partners especially JICA in collaboration with Hiroshima University and UNICEF for rendering financial and
technical support in the production of this syllabus.
Another major aspect of this syllabus is that it has taken into consideration environmental issues with emphasis on application of Physics in everyday life.
The syllabus takes into account the fact that the pupils who will follow it will be of different background. Some will study further Physics; some will require
the knowledge of this background Physics in pursuing other scientific studies, while some will join the world of work.
1. Knowledge and understanding of facts, ideas techniques and the applications of Physics.
2. Skill in applying their knowledge and understanding in problem solving.
3. Practical abilities associated with investigation of certain phenomena and principles in Physics.
4. Positive Scientific attitudes such as open mindedness and willingness to recognise alternative points of view.
Each of the Units is described under the headings of “Content”, “specific outcomes” knowledge, skills and “values”. The column headed “skill” is intended
to guide with the type of practical skills to be acquired while value must show what action the learner will take after learning the content and skill and is not to
be regarded as exhaustive. The teacher can still extend it by relating the factual contents and specific outcome(s) of the syllabus to social, economic and
industrial life at both local and national levels.
In view of the increasing impact of electronics and computers, bipolar transistors and logic gates have been included in the syllabus. It is envisaged that an
experimental approach will be adopted and that pupils will spend adequate time on individual experimental work.
MATHEMATICAL REQUIREMENTS
The study of Physics through this syllabus strengthens the applications of mathematical skills. It is assumed the pupils will be computer in the following
mathematical techniques:-
1. Taking account of accuracy in numerical work and handling calculations so that significant figures are neither lost unnecessarily nor carried beyond
what is justified.
2. Making approximate evaluation of numerical expressions.
3. Formulating simple algebraic equations as mathematical models from physics situations and be able to solve them.
4. Changing the subject of a formula.
5. Expressing small changes or errors as percentages.
6. Calculating areas of various shapes.
7. Dealing with vectors in all simple forms.
8. Plotting results graphically after selecting appropriate variables and scales.
9. Interpreting, analysing and translating graphical information.
NOTE: The list of mathematical abilities above is intended as a guide but is in no way limited nor exhaustive
(a) locate, select, organise and present information from a variety of sources;
(b) translate information from one form to another;
(c) manipulate numerical data;
(d) identify patterns and draw inferences from information;
(e) give reasonable explanations for patterns and relationships;
(f) make predictions and hypotheses.
School based assessment will be in the form of tests. Tests will be in the form of diagnostic, aptitude, achievement, oral, practice attitude and
performance, learners.
TIME ALLOCATION
A minimum of six periods of forty minutes each per week, preferably with one (1) double period taken in laboratory for practical work.
12.4.1.3 Distinguish ?
Direction of flow of ?
Comparing the ?
Cooperating in
between electrons and direction of flow group activities
direction of conventional current of electrons to
flow of conventional Participating
electrons and current in group
flow of ?
Communicating activities
conventional applications of actively
current. electron beams
12.4.1.4 Describe ?
Application of electron
applications of beams in CRO ,TV set,
electron beams. X-ray machines etc
The importance of practical work in Physics cannot be over emphasised. Practical work develops manipulative skills in the learner and gives the
learner the opportunity to experiment the scientific method. Needless to mention practical Physics is essential for this syllabus because:
b) Learners should understand, interpret and apply scientific methods in a variety of ways including the theoretical and practical approaches.
c) The study of Physics should be linked with environmental education requirements by quoting local phenomena in relation to Physics
studies.
There are scientific processes and skills to which learners must be exposed. Examples of these are observing, experimenting, classifying,
measuring, estimating, calculating, predicting and problem solving. Learners should also be exposed to scientific attitude like accuracy, curiosity
and creativity.
The pages 60 – 62 comprise the symbols and units which may from time to time be used during the study of Physics.
The candidate is expected to have the knowledge of how to apply the symbols and units in physics.
The list is not exhaustive; therefore the teacher and the learner are expected to discover more as they go through this
course.
3.0 Light
Plane mirrors, converging and diverging lenses, rectangular and triangular prisms, optical pins, colour discs, colour filters, optical camera, light ray boxes,
coloured bulbs, projectors such as slide projectors and film projectors.
4.0 Sound
Sonometers, turning forks, stop watches, stop clocks, sources of sound such as guitars and drums.
5.0 Magnetism
Bar magnets, horseshoe magnets, iron and steel bars, iron filings and plotting compasses.
Mass m kg
Length l m
Time t s
Electric current I A
Thermodynamic temperature T K
Amount of substance n mol
Distance d m
Displacement s, x m
Area An m2
Volume V m3
Density ñ kgm-3
Speed u, v ms-1
Velocity u, v ms-1
Acceleration and ms-2
Capacitors in parallel C = C1 + C2 + C3 +
Pressure of an ideal gas P = 1 NMC3
3 V