SHS1 Physics · Semester 1 Week 5: Introduction to Physics

Lesson notes

Learning Objectives

Indicator: 1.1.1.LI.5 - Explain scientific notation and their unit multipliers.

By the end of the lesson, learners can:

Express very large and very small physical quantities using scientific notation in the form A × 10ⁿ, where 1 ≤ A < 10 and n is an integer.
Identify the common unit multipliers (prefixes) used in physics, including kilo, centi, milli, micro, nano, mega, and giga, along with their symbols and values.
Convert physical quantities between different unit multipliers (for example, from kilometres to metres, or from millimetres to metres).
Apply scientific notation and unit multipliers to express quantities measured with the instruments studied in previous lessons (metre rule, vernier calliper, micrometer screw gauge).
Justify the relevance of scientific notation and unit multipliers in simplifying the expression and communication of physical quantities.

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Curriculum details

Strand: Mechanics and Matter (Strand 1)
Sub-strand: Introduction to Physics (1.1)
Content standard: 1.1.1.CS.2 - Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of physical quantities. 1.1.1.LO.2 Classify quantities into fundamental, derived, scalars, and vectors
Indicator: 1.1.1.LI.5 - Explain scientific notation and their unit multipliers.
Suggested placement: Semester 1, Week 5 (Week 5 of the year)
Our suggestion, laid out in curriculum order across three terms of twelve weeks. NaCCA does not fix the week, so follow your school's scheme of learning.
Curriculum reference: NaCCA curriculum document, p. 29

Exemplars (from the NaCCA curriculum)

Talk for learning: Discuss with learners the various scientific notation, their symbols and unit multiplier and let learners know their relevance in expressing quantities.
Foster an inclusive and respectful classroom culture and address bias in teaching materials and examples.
Assessment (1.1.1.AS.5). The document marks these depth-of-knowledge levels for this indicator: Level 2 Skills of conceptual understanding.
Teaching and Learning Resources:
- Meter rule
- Protractor
- Electronic balance
- Vernier calliper and
- Micrometer screw gauge