WHAT IS PHYSICAL SCIENCES?
Physical Sciences investigate physical and chemical phenomena. This is done
through scientific inquiry, application of scientific models, theories and laws in order
to explain and predict events in the physical environment.
This subject also deals with society’s need to understand how the physical
environment works in order to benefit from it and responsibly care for it. All scientific
and technological knowledge, including Indigenous Knowledge Systems
(IKS), is used to address challenges facing society. Indigenous knowledge is
knowledge that communities have held, used or are still using; this knowledge has
been passed on through generations and has been a source of many innovations
and developments including scientific developments.

SPECIFIC AIMS OF PHYSICAL SCIENCES
The purpose of Physical Sciences is to make learners aware of their environment
and to equip learners with investigating skills relating to physical and chemical
phenomena, for example, lightning and solubility. Examples of some of the skills that
are relevant for the study of Physical Sciences are classifying, communicating,
measuring, designing an investigation, drawing and evaluating conclusions,
formulating models, hypothesising, identifying and controlling variables, inferring,
observing and comparing, interpreting, predicting, problem-solving and reflective
skills.
Physical Sciences promote knowledge and skills in scientific inquiry and problem
solving; the construction and application of scientific and technological knowledge;
an understanding of the nature of science and its relationships to technology, society
and the environment. Physical Sciences prepare learners for future learning,
specialist learning, employment, citizenship, holistic development, socio-economic
development, and environmental management.
Learners choosing Physical Sciences as a subject in Grades 10-12, including those
with barriers to learning, can have improved access to: academic courses in Higher
Education; professional career paths related to applied science courses and
vocational career paths. Physical Sciences play an increasingly important role in the
lives of all South Africans owing to their influence on scientific and technological
development, which are necessary for the country’s economic growth and the social
wellbeing of its people.
Six main knowledge areas inform the subject Physical Sciences. These are:
• Matter and Materials
• Chemical Systems
• Chemical Change
• Mechanics
• Waves, Sound and Light
• Electricity and Magnetism