The KofaStudy SS1 Physics Second Term Scheme of Work is developed in line with the NERDC curriculum and organised to build progressively on the concepts introduced during the first term.
The scheme covers expansion in liquids, transfer of heat, electric charges, force fields, gravitational fields and electric fields, while incorporating supporting concepts and practical activities that strengthen students’ understanding of electricity and other physical phenomena.
The table below is the SS1 Physics Scheme of Work for Second Term
SS1 Physics Second Term โ Lesson Summary
| Lesson | Topics Covered |
|---|---|
| 1. Expansion in Liquids | * Expansion in Liquids * Real and Apparent Expansivity of Liquids * Relationship Between Real and Apparent Expansivity * Determination of Apparent Cubic Expansivity of a Liquid * Anomalous Expansion of Water * Applications of Expansion in Liquids |
| 2. Transfer of Heat | * Meaning and Modes of Heat Transfer * Conduction * Good and Poor Conductors of Heat * Convection and Convection Currents * Radiation * Absorption and Emission of Radiant Heat * Design Features of a Thermos Flask * Greenhouse Effect |
| 3. Electric Charges I | * Electric Charges * Positive and Negative Charges * Production of Charges * Charging by Friction * Charging by Contact * Charging by Induction * Attraction and Repulsion of Charges |
| 4. Electric Charges II | * Detection of Electric Charges * Gold-Leaf Electroscope * Distribution of Charges * Action at Points * Electrophorus * Storage and Transfer of Charges * Lightning and Lightning Conductors |
| 5. Description and Properties of Fields | * Concept of a Field * Force Fields * Gravitational Field * Magnetic Field * Electric Field * Properties of Force Fields * Magnetic Field Patterns * Magnetic Field of a Bar Magnet |
| 6. Gravitational Field | * Concept of Gravitational Field * Acceleration Due to Gravity * Motion of Bodies Under Gravity * Determination of Acceleration Due to Gravity * Shape and Dimensions of the Earth |
| 7. Electric Field | * Concept of Electric Field * Electric Lines of Force * Electric Field Patterns * Fields Around Positive and Negative Charges * Fields Between Like and Unlike Charges * Properties of Electric Field Lines |
| 8. Potential Difference and Electric Current | * Electric Current * Potential Difference * Electromotive Force (e.m.f.) * Electric Circuits * Electrical Conductors and Insulators * Electrical Resistance * Relationship Between Current and Potential Difference * Introduction to Ohm’s Law |
Week 1 โ Expansion in Liquids
Topics Covered
- Expansion in liquids
- Real and apparent expansivity of liquids
- Relationship between real and apparent expansivity
- Determination of apparent cubic expansivity of a liquid
- Anomalous expansion of water
- Applications and effects of expansion in liquids
Performance Objectives
By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:
- explain why liquids expand when heated
- distinguish between real and apparent expansion of a liquid
- define real and apparent cubic expansivity
- explain the effect of expansion of the containing vessel on the observed expansion of a liquid
- state and apply the relationship between real and apparent expansivity
- describe an experiment for determining the apparent cubic expansivity of a liquid
- explain the anomalous expansion of water
- state practical consequences and applications of the anomalous expansion of water
Teacher Activities
The teacher should:
- demonstrate the expansion of a liquid when heated
- explain why both the liquid and its container expand during heating
- guide students in distinguishing real from apparent expansion
- guide students in deriving the relationship between real and apparent expansivity
- demonstrate or describe an experiment for determining the apparent cubic expansivity of a liquid
- use a graph or suitable illustration to explain the anomalous behaviour of water between 0ยฐC and 4ยฐC
- relate expansion in liquids to practical and everyday situations
Student Activities
Students should:
- observe the expansion of liquids when heated
- compare real and apparent expansion
- participate in deriving the relationship between real and apparent expansivity
- observe or carry out a simple experiment involving expansion of a liquid
- record and interpret experimental observations
- interpret a graph showing the anomalous expansion of water
- solve simple numerical problems involving expansivity
Teaching & Learning Resources
- density bottle
- suitable liquids
- beakers
- thermometer
- heat source
- measuring apparatus
- glass flask
- charts or graphs showing anomalous expansion of water
Evaluation Guide
Students should be able to:
- explain expansion in liquids
- distinguish between real and apparent expansivity
- state the relationship between real and apparent expansivity
- describe an experiment for determining apparent expansivity
- solve simple problems involving liquid expansivity
- explain the anomalous expansion of water
Week 2 โ Transfer of Heat
Topics Covered
- Meaning of heat transfer
- Conduction
- Good and poor conductors of heat
- Convection
- Convection currents
- Radiation
- Absorption and emission of radiant heat
- Applications of heat transfer
- Design features of a thermos flask
- Greenhouse effect
Performance Objectives
By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:
- identify the three modes of heat transfer
- explain conduction in solids
- distinguish between good and poor conductors of heat
- explain convection in liquids and gases
- describe the formation of convection currents
- explain heat transfer by radiation
- compare the absorption and emission of radiant heat by different surfaces
- identify applications of conduction, convection and radiation
- explain how the design of a thermos flask reduces heat transfer
- explain the greenhouse effect at an introductory level
Teacher Activities
The teacher should:
- demonstrate conduction through different solid materials
- guide students in comparing good and poor conductors of heat
- demonstrate convection currents in water
- use familiar examples such as land and sea breezes to explain convection in gases
- demonstrate or illustrate heat transfer by radiation
- compare the absorption and emission of radiant heat by different surfaces
- examine a thermos flask and relate its design features to conduction, convection and radiation
- relate heat transfer by radiation to the greenhouse effect
Student Activities
Students should:
- investigate conduction through different materials
- classify materials as good or poor conductors
- observe convection currents in water
- identify examples of convection in liquids and gases
- compare dull, black and shiny surfaces in relation to radiant heat
- identify examples of radiation in everyday life
- examine the features of a thermos flask and state their functions
- identify applications of the different modes of heat transfer
Teaching & Learning Resources
- metal rods of different materials
- wax
- beakers
- water
- potassium permanganate crystals or suitable alternative
- heat source
- thermometers
- dull and polished surfaces
- Leslie cube where available
- thermos flask
- charts showing convection currents, land and sea breezes
Evaluation Guide
Students should be able to:
- distinguish between conduction, convection and radiation
- distinguish between good and poor conductors
- explain convection currents
- explain the effects of surface properties on radiant heat
- identify applications of the three modes of heat transfer
- explain how a thermos flask minimises heat transfer
Week 3 โ Electric Charges I
Topics Covered
- Electric charge
- Positive and negative charges
- Production of charges
- Charging by friction
- Charging by contact
- Charging by induction
- Attraction and repulsion of charges
Performance Objectives
By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:
- explain the concept of electric charge
- distinguish between positive and negative charges
- explain how electrons are involved in charging
- state the law of electrostatic attraction and repulsion
- produce electric charges by friction
- explain charging by contact
- explain and demonstrate charging by induction
- identify interactions between like and unlike charges
Teacher Activities
The teacher should:
- demonstrate the production of electric charges using suitable materials
- use glass, ebonite or plastic rods to demonstrate charging by friction
- explain the movement or transfer of electrons during charging
- demonstrate attraction and repulsion between charged bodies
- demonstrate charging by contact
- demonstrate charging by induction without direct contact
- explain the role of earthing in charging by induction
- relate static electricity to familiar experiences
Student Activities
Students should:
- rub suitable materials together to produce electric charges
- use charged objects to attract small pieces of paper
- observe attraction and repulsion between charged bodies
- demonstrate charging by contact
- observe charge separation during induction
- investigate the effect of earthing during induction
- identify whether interacting bodies carry like or unlike charges
Teaching & Learning Resources
- glass rods
- ebonite or plastic rods
- silk cloth
- fur
- plastic combs
- small pieces of paper
- metal sphere on an insulating stand
- connecting wire
- simple electroscope
Evaluation Guide
Students should be able to:
- distinguish between positive and negative charges
- explain the production of charges by friction
- distinguish charging by friction, contact and induction
- explain electron transfer during charging
- state the behaviour of like and unlike charges
- explain the role of earthing during induction
Week 4 โ Electric Charges II
Topics Covered
- Detection of electric charges
- Gold-leaf electroscope
- Distribution of charges
- Charge distribution on conductors of different shapes
- Action at points
- Electrophorus
- Storage and transfer of charges
- Lightning
- Lightning conductors
Performance Objectives
By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:
- describe the structure and operation of a gold-leaf electroscope
- use an electroscope to detect electric charge
- describe the distribution of charges on conductors
- explain why charge becomes concentrated at sharp points
- explain action at points
- describe the construction and operation of an electrophorus
- explain how charges may be transferred and stored
- explain the formation of lightning at an introductory level
- explain how a lightning conductor protects a building
Teacher Activities
The teacher should:
- demonstrate the construction and operation of a gold-leaf electroscope
- use an electroscope to detect charges
- demonstrate or illustrate the distribution of charges on conductors of different shapes
- explain the concentration of charge at sharp points
- demonstrate or describe the operation of an electrophorus
- relate action at points to atmospheric electricity
- explain lightning and demonstrate the principle behind a lightning conductor
- emphasise safe behaviour during thunderstorms
Student Activities
Students should:
- observe or use a gold-leaf electroscope
- use an electroscope to detect electric charge
- observe how charge is distributed on conductors
- investigate or discuss action at points
- observe the operation of an electrophorus
- identify the main parts of a lightning conductor
- explain how a lightning conductor protects a building
Teaching & Learning Resources
- gold-leaf electroscope
- electrophorus
- glass and plastic rods
- silk and fur
- metal conductors of different shapes
- pointed conductor
- charts or models of lightning conductors
Evaluation Guide
Students should be able to:
- explain how an electroscope detects charge
- describe the distribution of charge on a conductor
- explain action at points
- describe the operation of an electrophorus
- explain lightning
- explain the operation and importance of a lightning conductor
Week 5 โ Description and Properties of Fields
Topics Covered
- Concept of a field
- Force fields
- Gravitational field
- Magnetic field
- Electric field
- Properties of force fields
- Field lines
- Magnetic field patterns
- Magnetic field of a bar magnet
Performance Objectives
By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:
- explain the concept of a field
- explain a force field
- identify gravitational, magnetic and electric fields
- distinguish between the three major types of force fields
- state basic properties of force fields
- explain the meaning of field lines
- demonstrate the existence of a magnetic field
- trace the magnetic field pattern around a bar magnet
Teacher Activities
The teacher should:
- introduce fields through examples of forces acting without physical contact
- use falling objects to illustrate gravitational interaction
- use magnets to demonstrate magnetic forces
- introduce electric fields using charged bodies
- compare gravitational, magnetic and electric fields
- use iron filings to reveal the magnetic field around a bar magnet
- use a plotting compass to trace magnetic field lines
- guide students in identifying basic properties of force fields
Student Activities
Students should:
- identify examples of forces acting at a distance
- observe objects falling under gravity
- experiment with bar and horseshoe magnets
- observe attraction and repulsion between magnetic poles
- use iron filings to observe magnetic field patterns
- use a plotting compass to trace magnetic field lines
- compare gravitational, magnetic and electric fields
Teaching & Learning Resources
- suitable falling objects
- bar magnets
- horseshoe magnets
- iron filings
- plotting compasses
- sheets of paper or cardboard
- charged objects
- charts illustrating gravitational, magnetic and electric fields
Evaluation Guide
Students should be able to:
- explain the concept of a field
- identify gravitational, magnetic and electric fields
- distinguish between the different force fields
- state basic properties of force fields
- describe and draw the magnetic field pattern around a bar magnet
Week 6 โ Gravitational Field
Topics Covered
- Concept of gravitational field
- Gravitational force
- Acceleration due to gravity
- Free fall
- Motion of bodies under gravity
- Experimental determination of acceleration due to gravity
- Shape and dimensions of the Earth
Performance Objectives
By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:
- explain gravitational field
- identify gravitational force as a field force
- explain acceleration due to gravity
- explain the motion of freely falling bodies
- state the approximate value and unit of acceleration due to gravity near the Earth’s surface
- describe a simple method of determining acceleration due to gravity
- solve simple problems involving bodies moving under gravity
- describe the shape of the Earth
- discuss basic dimensions of the Earth
Teacher Activities
The teacher should:
- demonstrate the attraction of objects towards the Earth
- explain gravitational field and gravitational acceleration
- demonstrate free fall using suitable objects
- use a ticker-timer or other suitable apparatus to investigate acceleration due to gravity where available
- demonstrate or discuss the use of a simple pendulum
- guide students through simple calculations involving gg
- use a globe to discuss the shape and dimensions of the Earth
Student Activities
Students should:
- observe the motion of falling bodies
- identify gravity as the force responsible for their motion
- investigate acceleration due to gravity using available apparatus
- observe or carry out a simple pendulum activity
- solve simple numerical problems involving gg
- examine a globe and describe the shape of the Earth
Teaching & Learning Resources
- ticker-timer and accessories
- suitable falling objects
- simple pendulum
- pendulum bob
- string
- retort stand
- stopwatch
- metre rule
- globe
Evaluation Guide
Students should be able to:
- explain gravitational field
- define acceleration due to gravity
- describe free fall
- state the approximate value of gg
- describe a method of determining acceleration due to gravity
- solve simple problems involving motion under gravity
- describe the shape of the Earth
Week 7 โ Electric Field
Topics Covered
- Concept of electric field
- Electric field strength at an introductory level
- Electric lines of force
- Direction of electric field lines
- Field around an isolated positive charge
- Field around an isolated negative charge
- Field between like charges
- Field between unlike charges
- Properties of electric field lines
Performance Objectives
By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:
- explain the concept of an electric field
- explain electric lines of force
- state the convention used to indicate the direction of an electric field
- draw field lines around an isolated positive charge
- draw field lines around an isolated negative charge
- draw field patterns between like charges
- draw field patterns between unlike charges
- state basic properties of electric field lines
- interpret simple electric field diagrams
Teacher Activities
The teacher should:
- introduce electric fields using charged bodies
- explain field direction using a positive test charge
- illustrate electric lines of force
- draw field patterns around isolated positive and negative charges
- compare field patterns between like and unlike charges
- guide students in interpreting the direction and spacing of field lines
- explain the basic properties of electric field lines
Student Activities
Students should:
- draw electric field lines around isolated charges
- indicate the direction of field lines correctly
- draw field patterns between like charges
- draw field patterns between unlike charges
- compare different electric field patterns
- interpret simple diagrams showing electric fields
Teaching & Learning Resources
- charged objects
- charts showing electric field patterns
- diagrams of isolated positive and negative charges
- diagrams of like and unlike charge pairs
- drawing materials
- suitable electrostatic demonstration apparatus where available
Evaluation Guide
Students should be able to:
- explain an electric field
- explain electric lines of force
- draw field patterns around positive and negative charges
- draw field patterns between like and unlike charges
- state the direction and basic properties of electric field lines
Week 8 โ Potential Difference and Electric Current
Topics Covered
- Concept of electric current
- Potential difference
- Electromotive force (e.m.f.)
- Difference between e.m.f. and potential difference
- Simple electric circuits
- Circuit components
- Electrical conductors and insulators
- Resistance
- Relationship between current and potential difference
- Introduction to Ohm’s law
Performance Objectives
By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:
- explain electric current
- state the unit of electric current
- explain potential difference
- state the unit of potential difference
- explain electromotive force
- distinguish between e.m.f. and potential difference at an introductory level
- identify the basic components of a simple electric circuit
- construct a simple electric circuit
- distinguish between electrical conductors and insulators
- explain electrical resistance
- describe the basic relationship between current and potential difference
- state Ohm’s law
Teacher Activities
The teacher should:
- use a simple circuit to introduce electric current
- explain potential difference as the energy transferred per unit charge at an appropriate SS1 level
- introduce e.m.f. using an electric cell
- demonstrate a simple electric circuit
- identify common circuit components and their functions
- demonstrate the difference between conducting and insulating materials
- introduce resistance as opposition to the flow of electric current
- vary potential difference and observe the corresponding change in current
- use the observed relationship to introduce Ohm’s law without duplicating the fuller Third Term treatment
Student Activities
Students should:
- identify common components of an electric circuit
- construct a simple circuit
- observe the effect of opening and closing a switch
- classify common materials as conductors or insulators
- observe measurements of current and potential difference
- identify the units of current, potential difference and resistance
- describe the basic relationship between current and potential difference
- solve very simple introductory problems involving VV, II and RR
Teaching & Learning Resources
- electric cells
- connecting wires
- switches
- bulbs
- resistors
- ammeters
- voltmeters
- different metals
- plastic
- wood
- ceramic materials
- simple circuit diagrams and charts
Evaluation Guide
Students should be able to:
- explain electric current and potential difference
- distinguish between e.m.f. and potential difference
- identify components of a simple electric circuit
- construct a simple circuit
- distinguish conductors from insulators
- explain resistance
- state Ohm’s law
- identify the appropriate units of current, potential difference and resistance
