MYP Physics · Year 9 · Unit 3

Electricity & Energy

Transforming energy and understanding the patterns of energy transfer is key to our success now and in the future

This Year 9 unit runs as a sequence of practical lessons. Students start by learning the names, symbols and uses of circuit components and building circuits from diagrams, then develop the idea of charge as a flow of electrons and learn to control current in series and parallel circuits. The second strand turns to energy: the stores we draw on to power our lives, how energy is transferred, and the patterns that govern those transfers. The unit closes on the question of using energy sustainably.

The key concept is change, with related concepts of energy, patterns and transformation, in the global context of scientific and technical innovation. It is a strongly hands-on unit, built around circuit-building kit and a set of structured lessons running from first circuits through to energy and sustainability.

Statement of inquiry: Transforming energy and understanding the patterns of energy transfer is key to our success now and in the future.

Inquiry questions include: What are the components in circuit diagrams and what do they do? What types of energy do we use to power our lives? How can we control electricity in electric circuits? How can we use energy sustainably?

What students learn

Activities & investigations

How it is assessed

The unit is assessed across the MYP Sciences criteria. The handover assessment used a criteria B and C summative — a conducting-putty investigation in which students plan, gather and evaluate data — alongside a criterion A test on circuits and energy.