Energy is a principal concept in the learning of Physics, yet it is a concept that students found abstract and challenging to grasp, especially the key ideas of Transfer, Transform and Conservation. This paper proposes that a multiple representation approach in the teaching and learning of this topic for Secondary 3 students (15 years old students) helps support and deepen students’ learning of the topic. Qualitative and quantitative treatments have their place in the multiple representations of energy, which allows teachers to scaffold students’ learning for deeper understanding, and enable students to demonstrate their knowledge. This evidence-based sharing will illustrate how representations such as Energy Bar Diagram (LOL) and Energy Cube manipulative are used to (i) quantify conservation of energy (ii) show energy transformation within bodies, and (iii) quantify energy distribution and energy transfer between interacting bodies. 

Authors:
Boon Chien Yap, Changkat Changi Secondary School/Academy of Singapore Teachers, Singapore
Chu Beng Lau, Yusof Ishak Secondary School, Singapore

About the Presenter(s)
Mr Yap Boon Chien is a Master Teacher (Physics) teaching in Changkat Changi Secondary School, Singapore and providing teacher training at Pedagogical Excellence Branch, Academy of Singapore Teachers. He is a President’s Award for Teachers awardee.

Additional website of interest
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLQxzGTcC-xNUKs3jOe3L1Q50zz9UAu4qv

See this presentation on the full schedule – Schedule

Bookmark