Science Made Easy: ‘Start early & build profound knowledge of concepts’

Those who love Physics will tell you that it is a fascinating natural science that has contributed significantly to understanding the world and developing technological advances. It is a subject that is based on several central theories.

However, a grave mistake that most students make is trying to memorise complex problems; this gives rise to the notion that Physics is tough. However, hands-on activities performed improve knowledge retention and student interest in the subject. Also, multimedia has played an important role in improving Physics.

“We must unlearn the incorrect knowledge before we can obtain the truth. Teachers need to identify students’ misconceptions, provide a forum for students to confront their misconceptions, and help students reconstruct and internalise their knowledge based on scientific models”

–Salamma Albert, Physics Teacher at Apeejay School, Nerul

“While hands-on activities and multimedia can help introduce a new concept to students, long-term retention can only be achieved by repeatedly reinforcing principles and constantly challenging students to attempt increasingly tricky tasks. The problem-solving strategy to be taught should be highlighted systematically. Most importantly, apply the knowledge in daily life situations,” Salamma Albert said, who teaches Physics at Apeejay School, Nerul to classes XI and XII.

Difficulties essential part of the learning process

While it is hard to pinpoint which topic is most challenging because it depends on the students, some topics are hard to understand for all. “Electrostatics and Magnetism and Optics involve many concepts that need to be understood by all the students. Some face problems in solving numericals. Solving conceptual-based questions is the most effective way to make the students understand the concept,” Albert explained.

Multimedia courseware in the physical classroom can simulate visual experiments creating good physical scenarios to stimulate students’ interest, she said. So, the students can achieve distinct impressions and grasp physical concepts and laws quickly. Frequent tests on difficult chapters and remedial teaching can improve the students’ understanding.

Misconceptions are barriers to understanding Science, Albert stressed. “A misconception is a conceptual misunderstanding. We must unlearn the incorrect knowledge before we can obtain the truth. Teachers need to identify students’ misconceptions, provide a forum for students to confront their misconceptions, and help students reconstruct and internalise their knowledge based on scientific models,” Albert said and shared an example of misconception.

Students were asked to sketch the air in a sealed flask initially and after removing half of the air. Students sketched the second flask with air and other regions containing space. Here, demonstration helps students overcome misconceptions.

“Demonstration using a coloured gas could efficiently show students that the gas fills its container. One of the most important misconceptions is regarding mass and weight. Mass and weight are often considered the same. To fully understand the difference between mass and weight, teachers must include the definition of each and a reinforcing activity. Mass is constant anywhere in the universe. Weight is a force with which the earth attracts it. Hence weight is not a constant,” Albert said.

Understanding Physics beyond the classroom

The educator said that the students must get familiar with the NCERT books. The class XII NCERT is sufficient preparation for the Boards. Xamidea is a good book for practicing questions chapter-wise.  Students can watch Youtube videos by Shiksha House. Animated videos provide a visual picture of the topic and are hence effective in learning the concepts.

Tips for students

“Many students tend to neglect their studies at the early stages, eventually lessening their chance to build an in-depth understanding of concepts. Hence, the students find it difficult to score well. Start working from the beginning of the year,” Albert advised and share a few strategies for students to study effectively.

1. Know the complete syllabus and exam pattern.

2. Make a schedule/timetable.

3. List the topics you are well-versed in and need to work on.

4. Prepare the important derivations of the chapter.

5. Practice graphs and diagrams. Learn all circuit diagrams and ray diagrams with proper labeling.

6. Solve the previous year’s question paper which can give an idea of the expected questions.

7. Memorise the basic equations.

8. Work on improving Math skills.