A study on the use of physics experiments in form 4 Junior Lyceums

Abstract

Physics is the most commonly studied science subject since it is a compulsory subject. The SEC Physics syllabus allocates marks for practical work and hence practical sessions are not optional but compulsory. The purpose of this dissertation was to study whether physics experiments are leading to better understanding by students of the topics covered and possible gender differences. Interviews were held with Form 4 physics teachers in order to identify the experiments they carry out. Five common experiments carried out in all the schools concerned were chosen and a questionnaire was designed and distributed to students. A sample of 180 students was taken, namely 90 girls and another 90 boys. Results showed that girls outperformed boys in all experiments, while boys claimed that they enjoy doing experiments more than girls. Also, most of the practical done is helping students understand more the topics concerned; but there are some experiments that may not reach the aims set by teachers or that the apparatus used is difficult for the students to understand the scientific concepts behind it. In general, most of the experiments used are helping students relate subject to theory and this leads to better understanding of the topic.