​By the end of the course, the learner should be able to:

1. define length, area, volume, mass, density, time and state the corresponding symbols and SI units.
2. convert other metric units to SI units
3. estimate length, mass and time
4. use accurately the following measuring instruments; metre rule, tape measure, beam balance, stop clock/watch, measuring cylinder, pipette and burette
5. determine experimentally the densities of substances
6. solve numerical problems on density

1. Definition of length, area, volume, mass, density and time
2. SI units and symbols
3. Estimation of quantities
4. Conversion of units
5. Measuring instruments
6. Experiments on density
7. Problems on density

​In order to measure we need to know or define the quantity to be measured and the units for measuring it. In 1971 a system known as the International System of Units (Systeme’ Internationale) and seven basic units were agreed upon as follows. Other quantities can be obtained from these basic quantities and are referred to as derived quantities.

This is the measure of distance between two points in space. The SI unit for length is the metre (m). Therefore;

• 1 km = 1000 m
• 1 Hm = 100 m
• 1 Dm= 10 m
• 1 mm = 0.001 m

Length is measured using a metre rule (100 cm), tape measure (100 m, 300 m, 500 m)

​This is the quantity of matter contained in a substance. Matter is anything that occupies space and has weight. The SI unit for mass is the Kilogram (kg). Other sub-multiples used are grams (g), milligrams (mg) and tonnes (t). 1 kg = 1,000 g = 1,000,000 mg=100 tonnes. A beam balance is used to measure mass.

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​Science in our lives
Scientists are people trained in science and who practice the knowledge of science. We require people in industries to work as engineers, technicians, researchers, in hospitals as doctors, nurses and technologists. Science gives us powerful ideas, instruments and methods which affect us in our daily lives.

Scientific methods

1. A laboratory is a building specifically designed for scientific work and may contain many pieces of apparatus and materials for use.
2. A hypothesis is a scientific fact or statement that has not been proven or experimented.
3. A law or principle is a scientific fact or statement that has been proven and experimented to be true for all conditions.
4. A theorem is a fact or statement that is true and proven but applicable under specific conditions.

​Physics is a Greek word meaning nature hence it deals with natural phenomena. Physics is therefore a science whose objective is the study of components of matter and their mutual interactions. Physics is also defined as the study of matter and its relation to energy. A physicist is able to explain bulk properties of matter as well as other phenomena observed.

1. Mechanics – the study of motion of bodies under the influence of force.
2. Electricity – this deals with the movement of charge from one point to another through a conductor.
3. Magnetism – the study of magnets and magnetic fields and their extensive applications.
4. Thermodynamics / heat – this is the study of the transformation of heat from one form to another.
5. Optics –the study of light as it travels from one media to another
6. Waves – the study of disturbances which travel through mediums or a vacuum.
7. Particle physics
8. Nuclear physics
9. Plasma physics

​Since physics enables us to understand basic components of matter and their mutual interactions it forms the base of natural science. Biology and chemistry borrow from physics in explaining processes occurring in living things and organisms. Physics also provides techniques which are applied almost every area of pure and applied science i.e. meteorology, astronomy etc. Career opportunities in physics

1. Engineering – civil
   1. Electrical
   2. Mechanical
   3. Agricultural
   4. Environmental
   5. Chemical
   6. Computer
2. Meteorology
3. Surveying
4. Geology
5. Astronomy

NOTE: - all science based careers i.e. doctors, nurses, technologists, engineers, pharmacists etc. need physics as a true foundation.

1. Proper dressing must be observed, no loose clothing, hair and closed shoes must be worn.
2. Identify the location of electricity switches, fire-fighting equipment, first aid kit, gas and water supply systems.
3. Keep all windows open whenever working in the laboratory.
4. Follow all instructions carefully and never attempt anything in doubt.
5. No eating or drinking allowed in the laboratory.
6. Ensure that all electrical switches, gas and water taps are turned off when not in use.
7. Keep floors and working surfaces dry. Any spillage must be wiped off immediately.
8. All apparatus must be cleaned and returned in the correct location of storage after use.
9. Hands must be washed before leaving the laboratory.
10. Any accidents must be reported to the teacher immediately.

By the end of the course, the learner should be able to:

1. Select and use appropriate instruments to carry out measurements in the physical environment
2. Use the knowledge acquired to discover and explain the order of the physical environment
3. Use the acquired knowledge in the conservation and management of the environment
4. Apply the principles of Physics and acquired skills to construct appropriate scientific devices from the available resources
5. Develop capacity for critical thinking in solving problems in any situation
6. Contribute to the technological and industrial development of the nation
7. Appreciate and explain the role of Physics in promoting health in society
8. Observe general safety precautions in all aspects of life
9. Acquire and demonstrate a sense of honesty and high integrity in all aspects of Physics and life in general
10. Acquire positive attitude towards Physics
11. Acquire adequate knowledge in Physics for further education and training.

1. Physics as a Science(reference to Primary Science Syllabus)
2. Meaning of Physics
3. Branches of Physics
4. Relation between Physics, other subjects and technology
5. Career opportunities in Physics
6. Basic laboratory safety rules

1. Identify four branches of physics
2. Name four career opportunities whose foundation is physics.
3. A science laboratory can be a dangerous place if students do not take certain precautions while doing their practical work. Outline any 4 basic laboratory rules that a student should observe.