Please read the overview page for a description of the structure of Fathoming Physics classes.
Year 12 2020
New year 12 classes (for students beginning year 12 in term 4 2020) will begin with a two day intensive in the October holidays to cover the first HSC module (Advanced Mechanics). The second module (Electromagnetism) is covered in weekly classes in term 4. With the current COVID restrictions, there is a maximum of 9 students in each class (desks are spaced so students are 1.5m apart). Practical work has been adapted where necessary to reduce contact between students.
October Intensive
Day 1 -Wednesday 7th October, 8:30am-3:30pm: Covers both the theory and practical work for the first half of the module (projectile motion and uniform circular motion) over the three 2 hour lessons.
Day 2 – (3 options: Thurs 8th, Fri 9th or Sat 10th October), 8:30-3:30pm. Covers the second half of the module, on Newton’s law of universal gravitation, motion in gravitational fields (orbital motion) and gravitational potential energy.
The cost for both days is $480 (6 lessons x $80). There is a discount for new students of $80 (equivalent to the first lesson free).
Each day includes a 20 minute break for morning tea and 40 minute break for lunch. Students should bring a packed lunch and morning tea each day (there’s a large garden – students are welcome to stretch their legs outside!)
Term 4 weekly classes
In term 4 year 12 classes will cover Module 6: Electromagnetism. Lessons will run on Saturday mornings, 8:30-10:30am (1 place available as of 20/9), Wednesday afternoons (4:30-6:30pm)(1 place available) and Friday afternoons (4:30-6:30pm).
Please note that the lessons have been designed to meet the needs of students who are concurrently studying Extension 2 and/or Extension 1 mathematics at school.
COVID-19 UPDATE: If students have cold/flu symptoms they can attend via zoom. Please contact me for more details.
October holidays 2020
Module 5 “Advanced Mechanics”
Module 5 covers projectile motion, circular motion as well as Kepler’s laws of planetary motion, Newton’s law of Universal Gravitation and conservation of mechanical energy for objects moving under the force of gravity.
Term 4 2020
Module 6 “Electromagnetism”
Module 6 covers the motion of charges in electric and magnetic fields, the motor effect, electromagnetic induction and applications of the motor effect.
Term 1 2021
Module 7 “The nature of Light”
Module 7 covers electromagnetic radiation, the wave and quantum models of light, and special relativity. Practical work in this term includes experiments with polarisation (Malus’ law) as well as diffraction and double-slit interference.
Term 2 2021
Module 8 “From the Universe to the atom”
Module 8 covers the big bang and stellar evolution, the structure of the atom, nuclear physics and the standard model. Practicals in this topic include cathode rays and experiments with spectra and as well as a cloud chamber.
We will also spend a significant amount of class time revising for trial exams.
Term 3 2021
Revision for trials and the HSC
We will continue preparation for trials.
After students complete their trials we will begin our revision for the HSC.