Describing Physics in the Junior and Senior High School

Post date: Mar 30, 2017 2:35:27 AM

By: Mary Criselda M. Ligsanan

Physics is everywhere. This means that the discipline of physics is incorporated from the start of schooling in the kindergarten.

As an effect of the revisions of the new science curriculum, physics is observed as part of all the grade level science. The concepts are starting from the most basic going to the more complex concepts as a product of the spiral progression approach associated with the K to 12. Similarly, the discipline approach previously present in the old curriculum had been altered to fit with the recent situation in education. To be specific, Physics in the Junior High School started with the concept of force in the Grade 7 then thermodynamics for Grade 8. Discussion about motion is given in the Grade 9 and optics, electricity and magnetism for grade 10. This present circumstances depict the importance of obtaining mastery of each branch of physics as a preparation in the increasing complication parallel to the progress of the grade level.

In the senior high school level, physics is present in one of the core subjects of non-STEM strand known as Physical science. It goes along with the discipline of Chemistry. However, for students under the STEM strand, Physics is a specialized subject divided as Physics 1 and Physics 2. This condition of physics as a specialized subject requires prerequisite subjects such as Pre-Calculus and Calculus emphasizing the need for students to focus about the subject. Moreover, this also shows the fear of most students about the subject being more inclined towards mathematics.

As challenging as it is, physics concepts must be associated in more real life situation and events. This can lead to an atmosphere suitable for students developing affection towards the subject thus reducing the reputation of physics being a tough subject to deal with. It cannot be denied that this is a continuous necessity and a demanding task to fulfill.