Uganda Senior Two (S2) Physics Curriculum

This curriculum is designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of fundamental physics concepts, building upon the knowledge acquired in Senior One. The curriculum emphasizes practical application and problem-solving skills, encouraging learners to explore the world around them through scientific inquiry.

Term One

• Work, Energy, and Power: This topic explores the relationship between work, energy, and power. Learners will investigate different forms of energy, energy transformations, and the principle of energy conservation. They will also learn about the concepts of work and power, and how they relate to force and distance. Simple machines and their applications in simplifying work are also covered.
• Turning Effect of Forces, Centre of Gravity, and Stability: This topic introduces the concept of moments and how they relate to the turning effect of forces. Learners will investigate the principle of moments and its applications in balancing objects. The concept of centre of gravity and its relationship to stability is also explored.

Term Two

• Pressure in Solids and Fluids: This topic covers the concept of pressure in both solids and fluids. Learners will investigate the relationship between pressure, force, and area, and how pressure varies with depth in fluids. Atmospheric pressure, its measurement, and its effects are also studied. Applications of pressure principles in everyday life, such as hydraulic systems and the Bernoulli effect, are explored.
• Mechanical Properties of Materials and Hooke's Law: This topic investigates the mechanical properties of materials, including elasticity, tensile strength, and ductility. Learners will explore how these properties relate to the structure of materials and their applications in construction and other fields. Hooke's law and its application to elastic materials are also covered.

Term Three

• Reflection of Light at Curved Surfaces: Building on the knowledge of reflection at plane surfaces from Senior One, this topic explores reflection at curved surfaces, specifically concave and convex mirrors. Learners will investigate how these mirrors form images and their applications in optical instruments and everyday devices.
• Magnets and Magnetic Fields: This topic delves into the properties of magnets and magnetic fields. Learners will investigate magnetic poles, the interaction of magnets, and the concept of magnetic fields. The Earth's magnetic field and its use in navigation are also discussed.
• Electrostatics: This topic covers the fundamentals of electrostatics, including electric charge, charging by friction and induction, and the forces between charged objects. Learners will explore the concept of electric fields and their effects on charged particles. The applications of electrostatics in devices like lightning conductors are also discussed.
• The Solar System: This topic explores the components of our solar system, including the sun, planets, moons, and other celestial bodies. Learners will investigate the relative sizes, positions, and motions of these objects, and how they relate to phenomena such as day and night, seasons, eclipses, and tides.

This comprehensive curriculum provides a strong foundation for further studies in physics and related fields, equipping learners with the knowledge and skills to understand and interact with the physical world.