Uruguay First Year of Ciclo Básico - Physical Sciences

Ciclo Básico (Basic Cycle) is the first three years of secondary education in Uruguay, typically for students aged 12-14. Physical Sciences is a key subject during this cycle, introducing students to fundamental concepts in physics and chemistry.

Physical Sciences Curriculum (2006 Reformulation)

The 2006 reformulation of the Physical Sciences curriculum emphasizes a critical and analytical approach to problem-solving, going beyond rote memorization of facts.

The curriculum is structured around three core units:

• Unit 1: Light: This introductory unit covers the importance of light, light sources, rectilinear propagation, reflection, refraction, mirrors, lenses, and the use of significant figures in measurements. Suggested activities include analyzing light's interaction with living matter, classifying light sources, explaining eclipses, experimenting with mirrors and lenses, and measuring angles of incidence and reflection.
• Unit 2: Introduction to the Concept of Mass and its Conservation: This unit focuses on using balances, understanding units and appreciation of instruments, and exploring the law of conservation of mass. Experiments involve measuring mass, observing mass changes during phenomena like melting ice and dissolving solids, and studying the work of Lavoisier.
• Unit 3: Density as an Intensive Property: This unit introduces the concept of density, measurement of volume, and the significance of density as an identifying property of substances. Activities include determining the volume of regular and irregular solids, measuring mass and volume to establish relationships, and calculating densities of common materials. The concept of buoyancy and its relation to density is also explored.

Learning Approach

The curriculum promotes active learning, where students are encouraged to participate in the construction of their own knowledge. A variety of teaching strategies are employed, including experiments, group dynamics, and the use of bibliographical and electronic resources. Critical analysis of information, hypothesis formulation, and understanding the historical context of scientific concepts are emphasized.

Assessment

Evaluation is continuous and formative, focusing on the methodological, conceptual, reflective, and critical aspects of scientific thinking. A variety of assessment tools are used, including written and experimental tests, reports, concept maps, oral presentations, and problem-solving exercises.

Resources

Several textbooks are recommended for students, including "Ciencias Fisicas 1" by Saravia, Szwarcfiter, and Segurola, and "Ciencias Fisicas 1" by Vila, Romano, and Roso. A wide range of resources is available for teachers, covering physics, chemistry, and didactics of experimental sciences.

Additional Information

• Ciclo Básico Tecnológico: A parallel program exists within the Ciclo Básico called Ciclo Básico Tecnológico, which integrates science and technology throughout the curriculum.
• Plan 2023: More recent curriculum plans, such as Plan 2023, may have updated the specific content and learning modules.