Page 18 - Physics

Physics for Secondary Schools

Part III: scientifi c investigation. Further, we will
1. Go out of the classroom and observe discuss the existing basic theories and
the top of the fl agpole. principles of physics.
2. Look at the full length of the string
used to hoist the fl ag and record your Basic principles of scientifi c
observations. investigations
The basic principles of scientific
Questions
(a) How did your face look like? investigations form the foundation of the
scientifi c method and guide researchers
(b) From your observation, explain what in conducting systematic and reliable
happened in step 4. experiments. These principles are essential
(c) What makes the scouts in your school for ensuring the accuracy, objectivity, and
able to raise the fl ag to the top of productibility of scientifi c fi ndings.
the pole?
The concept of scientifi c investigation
Plane mirrors always form images of their The scientifi c method is the basic skill
observers. Therefore, a person looking at needed in the world of science. Humans
a mirror will see an image of himself or are always curious about why and how
herself. A scale balance leans on the side things happen in the world. The scientifi c
that has more mass than the other. This method provides scientists with a well-
is useful when measuring some items structured platform to help fi nd the
such as sugar and fl our. A fl ag is raised answers to their questions.
to the top of a fl agpole using a string that
is rotated on a pulley. The string is then
fastened at the bottom. All of these are Therefore, the scientifi c method is
applications of physics in daily life. a set of steps used by scientists to
investigate a problem or answer
Theories and principles of Physics questions.
The discipline of physics is built upon Basic steps of scientifi c investigation
a foundation of theories and principles Scientists including physicists are always
that have been developed and refi ned looking for scientifi c evidence. A systematic
over centuries of scientifi c exploration. search for evidence is recommended during
These theories and principles serve as and after experiments. The following
the building blocks for understanding are steps followed when carrying out a
the laws and phenomena that govern scientifi c investigation.
the natural world. This means scientifi c
exploration is a very important aspect of 1. Problem identifi cation
the development of physics. Therefore, in This is the fi rst step in the scientifi c method.
this section, we shall discuss the aspect of It is when one makes a puzzling observation.

12
Student’s Book Form One

Physics Form 1 Final.indd 12 16/10/2024 20:55