Conservation of energy (roller coaster)
A car rides a roller coaster: energy bars show how potential and kinetic energy turn into each other.
Physics – grade 9/10
Section 3.2 covers the double grade 9/10; the same content is also listed under grade 10. Simulations are listed only where their grade range fits.
Unit 3.2.1Ways of thinking and working in physics
Distinguishing observation from explanation, testing statements experimentally, using models such as the atomic model and explaining the importance of the SI system.
No separate simulation is planned for this.
Unit 3.2.2Energy
Forms of energy, energy transfer and dissipation; calculating potential energy, power and efficiency and evaluating careful use of energy.
Unit 3.2.3Basic quantities of electricity
Components and circuit diagrams, conductors and insulators, measuring current and voltage, rules in series and parallel circuits, and electrical power, effects and dangers of current.
Series and parallel circuits
Connect lamps in series or in parallel and measure current and voltage at different points.
Simple circuit
Build a circuit with a battery, a switch and a lamp, as a set-up and as a circuit diagram. When the circuit is closed, the lamp lights up.
Unit 3.2.4Basics of thermodynamics
Thermal expansion and density, Celsius and Kelvin scales with absolute zero, and the three types of heat transfer with technical applications.
Gas laws
Push the piston halfway in and the pressure doubles. Heat the gas and it pushes the piston out. Pressure, volume and temperature are tightly linked.
Particle model and temperature
Ice melts, water boils, and the temperature stops rising meanwhile. The particles show where the energy goes in between.
Unit 3.2.5Electromagnetism
Resistance and characteristic curves, equivalent resistance in series and parallel; induction qualitatively, generator, transformer and electrical power supply.
Ohm’s law
Turn up the voltage and the current rises, always in the same ratio. Point by point the characteristic curve appears, though not quite straight for a lamp.
Series and parallel circuits
Connect lamps in series or in parallel and measure current and voltage at different points.
Electromagnetic induction
Magnet in, the needle swings. Magnet out, it swings the other way. Every generator works on the same principle.
Unit 3.2.6Thermodynamics and climate physics
Calculating heating energy with specific heat capacity and evaluating the natural and man-made greenhouse effect, tipping elements and ways of supplying energy.
No separate simulation is planned for this.
Unit 3.2.7Structure of matter
Structure of the atom and isotopes, radioactivity with alpha, beta and gamma radiation and half-life, nuclear fission and fusion, and benefits, risks and radiation protection.
Radioactive decay and half-life
Many nuclei decay at random and a Geiger counter clicks. Even so, after each half-life almost exactly half are left.
The summaries describe the curriculum in our own words. The original text is authoritative. Original text (German): Bildungsplan, Gymnasium, Physics, grade 9/10