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SPUTNIK is a forum exclusively for Scottish physics teachers. Run by the Institute of Physics in Scotland, SPUTNIK has proved to be a lively, provocative and stimulating arena. It is the medium for debating the big issues facing physics teaching nationally as well as being a contact point for exchanging ideas and solving everyday problems in the classroom.

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 See also Talk Physics: Linking teachers of physics

RATIONALE

This course has been designed to meet the needs of candidates who wish to pursue the study of physics in contexts which relate to their vocational and leisure aspirations.

Within this course:

• practical skills are developed
• relevant practical applications of physics principles are emphasised
• contexts are modern, relevant and useful
• basic physics concepts are developed where they are essential for the understanding of the application
• mathematical work is kept to a minimum.

Development of relevant knowledge and understanding, problem solving and practical activities form the basis of the Intermediate 1 Physics course. As a result of following an Intermediate 1 Physics course, candidates should acquire:

• an increased knowledge and understanding of facts and ideas, of techniques, and of applications of physics in society
• skill in applying their knowledge and understanding in a variety of problem solving contexts
• skills associated with carrying out experimental and investigative work in physics and analysing the information obtained.

Positive attitudes, such as being open-minded and willing to recognise alternative points of view, are promoted.

Entry to the Intermediate 1 Physics course will be from a variety of scientific backgrounds, including progression from Standard Grade Science. The Intermediate 1 Physics course is designed to articulate with the knowledge and skills developed in Standard Grade Science. It will take candidates into areas where physics has shaped, and continues to shape, our changing physical environment. The course endeavours to provide learning experiences leading to the acquisition of worthwhile knowledge, skills and attitudes, which will assist candidates in making their own reasoned decisions on many issues within a modern society increasingly dependent on science and technology. The course will also provide those who wish to proceed beyond Intermediate 1 Physics with a suitable basis for further study.