Role of Physics teaching in society

PHY 318

Yaya R.
Introduction
The contributions of physics to our daily life are so numerous.
Without the ideas of physics life could have been so difficult.

Physics plays a very important role in society. This presentation

aims at discussing the education values of physics as well as
coming up with what can be considered to be the unique role of
physics education in society.

Some of the achievements and contributions of Physics to society

shall be discussed.
Education defined

• Education is defined as organised and sustained instruction

designed to communicate a combination of knowledge,
skills and understanding, valuable for all the activities of life
(Page G.T and Thomas J.B, 1979).

• science is defined as a process of thinking, a means of

acquiring new knowledge and a means of understanding
new world. (UNESCO handbook for science teachers, 1980).
Goal of science education
• The science course should be aimed at developing
certain attitudes, concepts, intellectual skills that will
help the pupil to understand as well as solve problems
in his/her world as well as recognizing their particular
importance in changing society
(UNESCO handbook for science teachers,1980).
Goal of science education
• This includes development of interest and curiosity in the
natural phenomena of his environment, a commitment to seek
scientific explanation to these phenomena.
• Additionally, there should be an understanding and appreciation
of his relationship to his environment and confidence to effect
changes and improvement in the environment.
• An understanding in the selection of significant scientific
theories and the ability to apply them in relevant situations as
well as an understanding and appreciations of the methods of
science to enhance future contribution of science.
Education values of science

The categories of these values include:

Utilitarian value (provision of knowledge and skill)

Disciplinary value (provision of intellectual habits)
Cultural value (provision of training and desirable attitudes)

(Sidhu 1995)
Educational layman stop fearing technological
equipment in the society and is confident when handling
various devices.
(readings in science education 1974).
In our society, physics helps the pupils to understand the
world around them and be better prepared to improve it.
(readings in science education 1974).

Students should be aware of the contribution of the

subject to social change.
This means that pupils should experience the satisfaction
coming from the intellectual engagement with the
material world.
• This makes it possible to solve economic, moral, ethical as well as
political problems by finding possible solutions to such problems. Such
a discussion contribute something which is valuable to the intellectual
equipment of the future citizens.
(reading in science, 1974)

• For example, the world population problem can be discussed in terms

of the contribution of science to possible solutions such as improved
agriculture techniques and chemical contraceptives for population
control.
• The pollution problem is being managed by recycling of
plastic papers and so on.

• This means that the inclusion of science in the

curriculum will help the pupils to understand the world
and hence improve it.
• Some of the desirable attitudes acquired by studying
science include:
Curiosity
Willingness to suspend judgment
Open mindedness
Critical mindedness
Objectivity etc.
The unique role of physics education is that it provides
the basic skills of scientific inquiry such as observing,
classifying, measuring, recording and predicting.
(Anglin, L.W et al)
Some of the achievements and contributions of Physics to
society
• Constructions
• Transport
• Electrical energy
• Sports
• Communication
• Agriculture
• Medical facilities
• Home appliances
Constructions

Structural engineers use the knowledge of Physics to

construct roads, bridges, buildings etc.
 Transport

The laws and principles of Physics are applied when

flying an aeroplane, operating a ship, driving a car, etc.
Electrical energy

Generation of electric power from other sources such

as wind, ocean wave, water, fossil fuels etc. require the
knowledge of Physics.
Sports

During a run, athletes are exposed to various forces

hence they need to know this for better results in their
performance.
 Communication

Radios, television, telephones, computers and satellite

dishes etc. utilise the principles of Physics.
 Agriculture

Machines used in Agriculture such as tractors, combine

harvesters, crop sprayers, threshing machine and
pumps; all make use of Physics knowledge.
 Medical facilities

Developments in medical facilities arise due to Physics

knowledge. Syringes, CT scans, MRI, lasers and electro-
microscopy are examples of machines used in hospitals.
 Home appliances

Home appliances that were developed due to Physics

knowledge include; cookers, water dispensers,
refrigerators, etc.
 CONCLUSION

• This presentation has been an eye opener to the

achievements and contributions of physics to our
everyday life.

• By applying scientific knowledge, learners should be

able to solve problems in their society.