Artefact 1 - A/O Level Physics

I have taught Physics for the last 16 years in my teaching career. 12 years were spent teaching Physics at A levels and 4 years teaching Physics at O levels.

My sample lesson plans and materials are found here: Sample lessons and plans
All these lesson materials are developed using the "Understanding by Design" approach. Each unit and its associated lessons are planned with the Essential Questions and the Enduring Understandings in mind. With the end in mind, students are led in a guided journey that would allow them to deepen their learning.

My key focus in teaching Physics is to introduce students to the beauty of the subject. There are a few key strategies that I have used for my teaching:

(a) Use of Diagnostic test for conceptual learning. This diagnostic test package consists of the Force Concept Inventory and the Electricity Concept Inventory (ECI)(Self developed). The ECI was developed to fulfil part of the requirement for the Masters in Science Education awarded by Sheffield University. This diagnostic test allows me to diagnose students current understanding of the concepts so as to peg my instruction to their current levels of understanding. It has brought about greater awareness about the students' abilities. This supports the differentiated learning in the class room. A sample of the concept inventory is found here: Electricity Concept Inventory

(b) Use of demonstrations. Nothing beats seeing the event in Physics. The abstraction of the Physics concept can be brought simpler through a direct experience with the lesson materials. From Mechanics to Electricity demonstrations, students become aware that Physics is a life-skill, and is applicable in their daily lives.
E.g.1 Water Rocket Experiment to demonstrate Newton's Third Law

E.g.2 Demonstrating Newton's third law using a tug-of-war scenario

E.g.3 Fleming's Left Hand Rule demonstration using a Boat in salt water.

(c) Use of ICT. Information and Communication Technology can be a powerful tool that students can use in their learning. There are 3 key approaches of ICT in Physics are simulations, data logger experiments and video motion analysis. Through the use of these 3 main strategies, the digital students of the 21st century can better appreciate the Physics concepts.
E.g.  Video Motion Analysis in Kinematics

E.g. By analysing the video above using the "Tracker" software, we can plot the x-t, v-t and a-t graphs.