Socio-scientific issues (SSIs) can be used as contexts for exploring physics ideas across Units 1 to 4. The examples below include how SSIs may be incorporated into each area of study.
Examples of socio-scientific questions in the core areas of study in Units 1 and 2:
Unit 1
Area of Study 1 How are light and heat explained?
- How safe are the different types of electromagnetic radiation?
- Which type of home cooling system is most effective / impacts the least on the environment?
- How does physics explain the greenhouse effect?
- What impact has optical fibre technology had on society?
- When, where and how do optical illusions happen in nature?
- How is colour dispersion handled in optical devices?
Area of Study 2 How is energy from the nucleus utilised?
- What are the advantages and disadvantages of the use of different types of medical radioisotopes?
Area of Study 3 How can electricity be used to transfer energy?
- How can home electrical fires be prevented?
Unit 2
Area of Study 1 How is motion understood?
- How is bungee jumping made safe?
- How has sports equipment been designed for improved performance over time?
- Are some bridge designs better than others?
- What controls the stopping distance of a vehicle?
- What is the ideal speed for travelling in built-up areas?
Examples of socio-scientific questions in Unit 2 Area of Study 1 (How does physics inform contemporary issues and applications in society?)
2.1 How does physics explain climate change?
- Is media reporting on the physics of climate change balanced?
2.2 How do fusion and fission compare as viable nuclear energy power sources?
- Could we and should we consider nuclear as a power source for Australia?
2.3 How do heavy things fly?
- Could we and should we use planes to transport heavy objects?
2.4 How do forces act on structures and materials?
- What are the limitations and benefits of wood / steel / brick / glass as a construction material?
- What makes one running shoe better than another?
- What makes one mask better than another for protection against the Covid-19 virus?
- How are bridges tested for safety?
2.5 How do forces act on the human body?
- What factors apart from science must be taken into account when designing prosthetic devices?
2.6 How is radiation used to maintain human health?
- Are X-rays safe?
- Is it ethical to produce radioactive isotopes for medical use?
- Is it ethical to use ionising radiation in industry?
2.7 How does the human body use electricity?
- Is 240 V the best choice for domestic power supply?
- What is the impact of a lightning strike on humans and other animals?
2.8 How can human vision be enhanced?
- What factors apart from science must be taken into account when enhancing human vision?
- Are glasses better than contact lenses?
2.9 How is physics used in photography?
2.10 How do instruments make music?
- Does the composition of an instrument influence the sound it makes?
2.11 How can performance in ball sports be improved?
- Should improved performance drive participation in sport?
- Is it fair for well-resourced athletes to compete against those who are not as well resourced?
2.12 How can AC electricity charge a DC device?
- How do the conditions of use constrain the design of power supplies?
2.13 How do astrophysicists investigate stars and black holes?
- What contribution does astrophysics research make to society?
2.14 How can we detect possible life beyond Earth’s Solar System?
- What is the value and / or risk to humanity of finding life beyond the Earth’s Solar System?
- How has research into possible life beyond Earth’s Solar System benefitted society?
2.15 How can physics explain traditional artefacts, knowledge and techniques?
- What physics principles can be identified in the design of a traditional artefact?
- How has contemporary astronomy developed from early beliefs in Western culture?
2.16 How do particle accelerators work?
- What role did the Australian Synchrotron play in identifying the Covid-19 coronavirus?
- How has research using particle accelerators benefitted society?
2.17 How does physics explain the origins of matter?
- What is the value and / or risk to humanity of understanding the origins of matter?
2.18 How is contemporary physics research being conducted in our region?
- What types of contemporary physics research is done in Australia?
- How does contemporary physics research contribute to the development and maintenance of science and community links in our region?
Examples of socio-scientific questions in Units 3 and 4:
Unit 3
Area of Study 1 How do physicists explain motion in two dimensions?
- What is a safe speed limit for school zones?
- Is motion correctly depicted in cartoons or video games?
Area of Study 2 How do things move without contact?
- What is the geopolitical significance of geostationary orbits for satellites?
- How does Maglev work as a means of train transportation?
Area of Study 3 How are fields used in electricity generation?
- Is it safe to construct houses under powerlines?
- How does the scale of the generator vary depending on the energy source?
- Are fields real?
Unit 4
Area of Study 1 How has understanding about the physical world changed?
- What is the use of quantum physics?
- Are there any real-life examples of particle-wave duality?
- Are there any real-life applications of special relativity?
- Do sci-fi movies get the physics right?