Physical sciences big ideas

The physical sciences involve the study of forces and motion, and, matter and energy. How an object moves is influenced by a range of contact forces (friction) and non-contact forces (magnetic, gravitational, and electrostatic). Energy can come in many forms (heat, light, sound, electricity) and can be transferred between objects or transformed from one form to another.

This can be broken into two core concepts:

  • Forces affect the motion and behaviour of objects.
  • Energy can be transferred and transformed from one for to another and is conserved within systems.

More information on alternative conceptions held by students can be found on the Physical science conceptions page in the Pedagogical Toolbox.

Tugboat

Force

Force affects motion and behaviour of objects.

Student using battery

Energy

Energy can be transferred and transformed from one form to another and is conserved within systems.