The Physics standards emphasize a more complex understanding of experimentation, the analysis of data, and the use of reasoning and logic to evaluate evidence. The use of mathematics, including algebra and trigonometry, is important, but conceptual understanding of physical systems remains a primary concern. Students build on basic physical science principles by exploring in depth the nature and characteristics of energy and its dynamic interaction with matter. Key areas covered by the standards include force and motion, energy transformations, wave phenomena and the electromagnetic spectrum, light, electricity, fields, and non-Newtonian physics. The standards stress the practical application of physics in other areas of science and technology and how physics affects our world.
The Physics standards continue
to focus on student growth in
understanding the nature of science. This scientific view defines the
idea that explanations of nature are developed and tested using
observation, experimentation, models, evidence, and systematic
processes. The nature of science includes the concepts that scientific
explanations are based on logical thinking; are subject to rules of
evidence; are consistent with observational, inferential, and
experimental evidence; are open to rational critique; and are subject
to refinement and change with the addition of new scientific evidence.
The nature of science includes the concept that science can provide
explanations about nature, can predict potential consequences of
actions, but cannot be used to answer all questions.
