Physics Unit 8

By the end of this unit, teachers will be able to:

• download Cayra mind mapping software from the internet and build an interactive mind map linking associated topics using electromagnetism from the Triple Science GCSE syllabus (activities 1 and 2)
• add value to the process, by including vocal sound bites, hyperlinks to documents and web pages, images and photographs and background music tracks, in their mind map; this process will promote an understanding of how mind mapping can enhance learning (activity 3).
• share their mind maps with others in the form of a mind map presentation (activity 4).

Electromagnetism is a vitally important part of physics, which is needed by students who study physics at GCSE and A level. The topic is difficult to understand, because ideas of magnetic and electric fields are new to students. ICT provides the perfect tool for helping students make links to their previous learning to construct a deeper understanding of the concepts.

Interactive software, such as mind mapping programs, and access to the web provide a range of approaches for researching, developing and presenting ideas. Topical images and web links can be found from a variety of sources on the internet, including RSS feeds and podcasts. Instead of the teacher being the sole source of information, students can explore, research and discover independently. In this type of classroom dynamic, the teaching is no longer didactic but moves towards a student-centred model of learning.

Using mind mapping software, students build a multimedia database of images, sounds, documents and web pages, which will enlarge and enhance their understanding of electromagnetic topics, including the use of transformers, generators and particle accelerators. It is also useful for teachers to see the links that students make in their mind maps when assessing learning. An understanding of electromagnetism requires links to be made between several key concepts; failure to recognise these links can be a barrier to further student learning.

There are potential barriers and challenges to effective teaching and learning in this topic. The intended learning outcomes at the start of this unit are intended to address some of these barriers, trigger ideas and provide support in exploring new opportunities to enhance learning and teaching. Using ICT, teachers can look at ways to address some of the challenges, and develop new ways to engage, motivate and enhance teaching and learning. Below are some of the barriers and challenges to teaching and learning this topic:

• Teachers may have little confidence in the subject knowledge, so their teaching of this topic can be didactic.
• Teachers may not have the skills to use a range of learning approaches.
• There may be limited up-to-date resources for this topic.

Cayra, a free mind mapping application, has been used in this unit. These are the software and hardware requirements:

• a microphone that attaches to a PC
• audio speakers attached to a PC
• an internet connection
• access to Windows Sound Recorder
• Cayra mind mapping software (free download)
• a data projector.

There are no how to guides for this module. Visit the activity pages for detailed instructions.

See an example of a mind map around electromagnetism and transformers. It is envisaged that this will be used as a guide for teachers to support students’ work.

• Try online mind mapping at www.bubbl.us. This is a Web 2.0 online collaborative mind mapping tool, which (unlike Cayra) also allows people to build collaborative mind maps. It is free to register and use.
• Students can be given the Quick Guide on the Large Hadron Collider and asked to create a mind map to help understand how the Hadron Collider uses electromagnetism, as an extension or individual learning – for example in projects or homework tasks.

• How to make a mind map

10. Download complete instructions for physics unit 8 »

• Physics unit 8 (word file)
• Physics unit 8 (pdf)