In the course of their studies of Physics students will be constantly engaged in investigations. The primary emphasis of practical activities is to develop the spirit of scientific enquiry and attainment of practical skills. The emphasis is on the process rather than on product attainment alone. The intention is that by focusing on a high level of practical skills, students will be better prepared for further education, training and employment in science related areas.
I - The skills developed primarily through the practical activities include:
1. Following instructions - Following instructions involves adherence to the instructed sequence of actions required to carry out an activity e.g. ability to follow instructions from a handout or as explained by the teacher
2. Manipulation of apparatus involves manual dexterity and efficiency e.g. measuring mass, weight, volume, various electrical measuring instruments, CRO, temperatures;
working with heat
3. Design-Definition of the problem and selection of variables.
Although the teacher may give the general aim of the investigation, students must identify a focused problem or specific research question. Commonly, students will do this by
modifying the general aim provided and indicating the variable(s) chosen for investigation.
4.Variablesarethings that could change during the investigationandthese may be of three types;
a) Dependent variable is measured to get a result. It is expected to change when the independent variable is changed. It "depends" on the independent variable and may have more than one per investigation
b) Independent variable is changed by the experimenter and is expected to cause a change in the dependent variable. It is usually only one per investigation.
c) Controlled variable is anything that could change the dependent variable and usually several per investigation
4. Observation is the most important tenet of the scientific method. All observations and measurements that a physicist takes using various instruments are of utmost importance to the investigation.
5. Recording is another essential tenet of the scientific method. Records are proof of what has been completed in the activity and what can be repeated with similar expected outcomes.
6. Interpretation of observations and results should ensue from the hypothesis being tested or the investigation undertaken. The final interpretation should explain clearly how conclusions are reached. Students are instructed to plot neat graphs with the data and also taught to interpret graphs.
7. Development of Personal skills will include the ability to work in a team, to recognize and acknowledge the contribution of others in the team, to show ethical behavior in reporting results, to pay due attention to environmental impacts etc.
II - Assessment Type of Assessment
Formative Assessment
The students will be assessed on the laboratory work done at regular intervals during the course of the year. This will include one practical exam in each term, where the students will be assessed on the experiment performed.
III - Guidelines for the recording the Labs done :
• Each student should keep a record of her/his practical work in the interleave note book provided to them, which will be common for both theory and practicals.
Legibility, correct use of symbols and terminology, neatness, and clarity of presentation should be emphasized.
• Diagrams should be drawn with an HB pencil. This can be a clearly labeled diagram of assembled apparatus or the observations made by the students through a
Each student should include the following while writing the lab report;
1. Title: Make sure the title of your lab is specific and scientific.
2. Aim: Purpose of the lab should be clearly stated in the introduction
3. Background information: This section introduces and gives some background on the topic to be explored.
4. Materials required; List all materials you will be using in the lab.
5. Description of procedure; In step-by-step format, you need to list the steps in your lab.
Passive voice is used in Procedures and Results section
6. Observations: A data table with proper units and uncertainties where applicable.
7. Results; Here you will need to put your data with a table, graph, or both (depending on the lab you are performing). Whenever possible present your data in a table or a graph.
A correctly prepared graph should:
1) have the independent variable on the x-axis 2) be numbered (Figure 1, Figure 2, etc.) 3) have a descriptive title
4) possess clearly labeled axes
5) have data points that are clearly marked.
A correctly prepared table should:
1) be numbered (Table 1, Table 2, etc.) 2) have a descriptive title
3) have rows and columns clearly labeled.
6 Conclusion; You should EXPLAIN your experimental findings. Also give any POTENTIAL SOURCES OF ERROR, and give any final information
7 Safety precautions; You should mention all the precautions that you need to take while doing the experiment.
8 Citation; You must always have at least ONE citation. This may be your textbook, a valid educational website, or a scientific journal.
IV - Guidelines for General conduct and safety measures in the lab
Be Neat: When working in a Physics lab, make sure you keep your area neat and
organized. If you happen to spill something, ask for assistance when cleaning it up. Also remember to clean your work area and wash your hands when you are finished.
Be Careful: An important Physics lab safety rule is to be careful. You may be working
with glass or sharp objects, so you don't want to handle them carelessly. Be cautious while working with electric appliances and burners, heavy metallic objects.
Be Cautious With Chemicals: The best way to remain safe when dealing with chemicals
is to assume that any chemical you handle is dangerous. Be sure you understand what type of chemicals you are using and how they should be properly handled.
If any chemical comes in contact with your skin, wash immediately with water and inform your lab instructor. Wear protective eyewear when handling chemicals.
V - List of some suitable labs planned for Grade 8
1. Analysing the data , plot a graph and to calculate the slope based on the data 2. Measuring area of irregular shaped lamina
3. Classification of conductors and Insulators
4. Setting a simple circuit and identifying voltmeters and ammeters 5. Measurement of Voltages in series and parallel
6. VI characteristics of a Bulb and fixed resistor 7. Changing brightness of the bulb Variable resistor
8. Demo of the picture of a 3 pin plug, how to choose a fuse 9. Drawing field lines of permanent magnets
10. Making an electromagnet
11. Activity to identify the factors affecting strength of an electromagnet 12. Bounce of a ball activity
13. Cars Sliding down an incline
14. Making brochures for travel company which takes tours to planets
VI - Example of a lab from the above list with the skills that the students will acquire Title: Measurement of current
Skills acquired by the student in the above experiment Following instructions
Familiarizes with all procedures before starting
Correct manipulation of apparatus
Understanding the symbols in a circuit diagram and connecting the circuit. Turning appropriate knobs and setting up the meters.
Observation and processing of data
Noting down the value of variable with appropriate unit and making a qualitative observation on the brightness of the bulb.
Recording and Processing of data
The data may require plotting a graph, averaging the values etc.
Interpretation
Draws reasonable conclusions from the observations and results
Organization
Exercises caution for personal safety and for the safety of others
Works as part of a group or team
Works in an organised and efficient manner
Cleans up after the practical activity and returns the apparatus