Introduction to SKPT Energy
This is the online element of the Energy module. It forms part of the Institute of Physics' Subject Knowledge for Physics Teachers course. It is to be studied in conjunction with a series of face-to-face and/or remotely taught sessions.
It is designed to try and improve confidence, by addressing subject knowledge, but also by examining methods to effectively teach these physics topics. It has been developed for teachers of KS3-KS4 science/physics.
Energy has the potential to be an topic of extreme relevance to how students live their lives - and an understanding can help them to make sensible decisions when buying appliances and devices, setting up their home to be warm and efficient, and knowing what car to buy. An understanding of energy may help students to achieve in sports, and support other hobbies and interest, such as what clothing to wear when hill-walking. There are also almost countless career paths that require a fluency with energy. This includes direct employment within the energy industry and the supporting sector, but these days all employers now need to minimise any negative environmental impact they may have.
Course requirements
To get full value from this course it should be studied in conjunction with the series of face-to-face and/or remotely taught sessions.
This module is split into 5 topics; generally you are expected to do a participant task after having studied a topic in a face-to-face or remote session.
Along the way you will be asked to complete a range of tasks. Some of these will be done by yourself, but some of them will require feedback to the course tutors via your blog.
There will also be extra information - it could be an additional fact that goes beyond the specification, a top tip to complete an experiment, or something else interesting.
Course completion
The full length of study is around 10 hours, over the 5 topics. However, given that teachers are so busy, it may be that you do not complete every part of this module. If that is the case, please ensure that you agree with your tutor which tasks you will be focussing on.
To be marked as having completed the course you should ensure that you engage with some participant tasks relating to each of the following areas:
- Mathematical problem solving
- Conceptual challenges
- Practical work
- Pedagogical reflections
General support
The Reflective Blog is a single place where you can record the outcomes of your participant tasks. It can be read from start to finish to describe your journey through the whole module. The activities will tell you when you need to make a comment in your blog.
The Course Forum is where you are encouraged to share information about useful resources, any questions you have, and to find out information about the course.
There is also a Glossary which will define relevant scientific terms.