Zimbabwe Lower 6 Physics Curriculum

This curriculum emphasizes the mastery and application of physics, preparing students for further studies in science and technology. It covers both theoretical and practical aspects, culminating in continuous assessment and national examinations.

Core Areas of Study:

• Newtonian Mechanics: This section explores the fundamental principles of motion, forces, energy, and momentum. It covers topics such as kinematics, dynamics, work, energy, power, circular motion, and gravitational fields. Students learn to analyze motion, calculate forces, and understand the relationships between energy and work.
• Electrodynamics: This area delves into the study of electricity, magnetism, and their interactions. Topics include electric current, potential difference, resistance, capacitance, electric fields, electromagnetic induction, and alternating currents. Students learn about circuit analysis, the behavior of capacitors, and the principles of electromagnetism.
• Oscillations and Waves: This section covers the study of oscillatory motion and wave phenomena. Topics include simple harmonic motion, damped and forced oscillations, resonance, wave properties, superposition, interference, and diffraction. Students learn to analyze oscillations, understand wave behavior, and explore the principles of superposition.
• Physics of Matter: This area focuses on the properties and behavior of matter in different states. Topics include phases of matter, deformation of solids, temperature, thermal properties of materials, ideal gases, fluid flow, and transfer of thermal energy. Students learn about the kinetic model of matter, material properties, and the laws of thermodynamics.
• Modern Physics: This section introduces students to the concepts of modern physics. Topics include charged particles, quantum physics, atomic structure, radioactivity, and communication. Students learn about the particulate nature of light, the principles of quantum mechanics, and the structure of the atom.

Practical Work:

Practical activities are integral to the curriculum. Students conduct experiments to investigate physical phenomena, collect data, analyze results, and draw conclusions. They learn to use various instruments and apparatus, apply safety measures, and develop experimental skills.

Assessment:

Assessment is conducted through continuous assessment and national examinations. Continuous assessment includes theory tests, practical tests, and a project. National examinations consist of multiple-choice questions, structured questions, free-response questions, and a practical skills paper. The assessment objectives cover knowledge with understanding, handling and applying information, and experimental skills.

Syllabus Document: