This course links most of the content from Physics Unit 1: Energy, Radiation and the Universe into a progressive and practical course in the outdoors. Students will undertake practical and out-of-classroom activities based on: Unit 1: Energy, radiation and the Universe - 4. ENERGY TRANSFER Unit 1: Energy, radiation and the Universe - 5. THE CHARACTERISTICS OF WAVES They will have the opportunity to develop their investigative and practical skills by: Using observations, evidence and fundamental ideas to ask scientific questions Designing and carrying out an investigation, including risk assessments Making measurements, selecting data and collecting secondary data Presenting, analysing and interpreting data to form conclusions Evaluating methodology, evidence, data and societal aspects of scientific evidence Please visit http://www.field-studies-council.org/outdoorclassroom/ For alternative courses covering GCSE WJEC Science Fieldwork
COURSE LENGTH 3 Days (2 nights with 6 teaching ) Monday / Wednesday Tuesday / Thursday Wednesday / Friday Friday Saturday Sunday Arrive for lunch. Afternoon and Morning, afternoon and Morning session. Depart after Lunch OR Arrive for meal. Evening session Morning, afternoon and Morning and afternoon. COURSE TIMETABLE DAY MORNING AFTERNOON EVENING Arrival (approx. 12-1pm) 1 Welcome and outline of the course Tour of Centre Settle into rooms Allocate kit (i.e. waterproofs) 2 Electricity and Renewable Energy 3 Electromagnetic Waves Depart after lunch Please note: to ensure safe and quality learning experiences for students the timetable may alter depending on weather conditions and local factors at.
COURSE CONTENT How efficient is your home? This module will require students to test a variety of different materials and record primary data in regards to energy transfer. This will involve planning and carrying out an investigation by constructing a 'model house' and using sensors to measure the temperature with and without various types of insulators. The students will also use the 'model house' to test surfaces of different natures in relation to the absorbance of infra-red radiation and use the centre as an auditable building. During the module the students will use efficiency equations and diagrams of energy transfer to understand what is happening with the investigation. Potential ways to conserve energy and reduce energy consumption will be explored and limitations of the study will be discussed. Electricity and Renewable Energy This module will take students through a journey considering the energy needs of today and tomorrow and how these are going to be met sustainably. The day will involve a full investigation incorporating visits to different locations to determine the optimum position for a renewable energy site. Students will measure a number of different variables at each location and consider the impacts of building a renewable energy site at their chosen location. Students will have the opportunity to construct and interpret Sankey diagrams for various renewable energy sources. There will also be a guided tour of a renewable energy resource either at the centre or at a local site. The day may involve planning, methodology, data collection, data presentation, interpreting secondary data, concluding, evaluating and role play. There will also be an opportunity for students to assess their own environmental impact during their stay at the centre. Electromagnetic Waves The electromagnetic spectrum is one of the fundamentals of the universe and visible light is incredibly important to humans and a vast array of natural organisms. In this session, students will investigate the behaviour and uses of parts of the electromagnetic spectrum within nature. Students will discover the wide range of colours that can be found in their surroundings and this will be used as a starting point for an exploration of why objects appear in the colours that they do. Students will also see how parts of the spectrum invisible to us are used in nature. Having learned how objects are perceived as certain colours, students will use a simple spectrometer to investigate a range of light sources in, and maybe out of, this world to reveal their true nature and discover what the electromagnetic spectrum can tell us about them.
SPECIFICATION LINKS 4. Energy Transfer (a) Use energy transfer (Sankey) diagrams and understand qualitatively the idea of energy efficiency in terms of input energy, useful output energy and wasted energy. (b) Investigate the efficiency of energy transfer in electrical contexts, e.g. using an electrical energy meter and a kettle. (e) Explore experimentally how temperature differences lead to the thermal transfer of energy by conduction, convection and radiation a particle explanation for conduction will not be examined, but candidates should be aware that density changes result in natural convection. See section 5 below for thermal radiation. (f) Understand how energy loss from houses can be restricted and use data to compare the economics of domestic insulation techniques, e.g. loft insulation and double glazing. Electricity and Renewable Energy 1. Generation of electricity (a) (b) (c) (d) Be aware of the usefulness of electricity as a means of energy transfer. Be aware of the significance of commissioning costs, running costs (including fuel) and decommissioning costs for power stations and respond to data concerning these costs for fossil fuel, nuclear and non-thermal power stations. Compare the advantages and environmental impact of different forms of electrical power generation including micro-generation, e.g. using domestic wind turbines and roof-top photovoltaic cells. Use data to estimate the power output of power stations and micro generators e.g. from energy content of fuel and conversion efficiency. 3. Energy supply and the home (c) Use data to make comparisons of different sources of domestic energy, including cost comparisons of traditional sources, e.g. electricity, gas, oil and coal, and the cost-effectiveness and environmental implications of introducing alternative energy sources, e.g. domestic solar and wind energy equipment. Electromagnetic Waves 5. The characteristics of waves (a) (d) (e) (f) (g) Characterise waves in terms of their wavelength, frequency, speed and amplitude. Distinguish between the different regions of the electromagnetic spectrum [radio waves, microwaves, infra red, visible light, ultra violet, X rays and gamma rays] in terms of their wavelength and frequency and appreciate that they all travel at the same speed in a vacuum. Appreciate that all regions of the electromagnetic spectrum transmit information and energy. Identify thermal radiation with electromagnetic radiation, understanding how the nature of the surface influences the radiation emitted and absorbed, and understanding qualitatively the relationship between the temperature of an object and the radiation emitted. Describe the greenhouse effect in terms of visible radiation from the Sun and infra-red radiation emitted from the Earth and absorbed and re-emitted from the atmosphere.
FSC CENTRES This course is offered at our residential listed below, set in some of the most stunning locations in the UK. FSC Centres that offer this course: BL Blencathra Tel: 017687 79601 NC Nettlecombe Tel: 01984 640320 OR Orielton Tel: 0845 330 7372 RC Rhyd-y-creuau Tel: 01690 710 494 TO BOOK THIS COURSE, SIMPLY: 1. Choose the time of the year you would like to attend 2. Pick the centre/ of interest 3. Check availability online or contact head office using the details at the bottom of the page or contact the centre of your choice *Please note to book this course the minimum size of your group must be 12 students and 1 member of staff Please visit http://www.field-studies-council.org/outdoorclassroom/ For alternative Key Stage 4 courses