Overview
This guide summarizes the main topics covered in the Secondary 4 Applied Science and Technology (AST) course, including material, living, earth/space, and technological worlds.
Material World
- Understand changes in matter, including chemical reactions like oxidation and combustion.
- Apply the law of conservation of energy and understand energy efficiency.
- Know principles related to temperature, heat, and the main laws of fluids (Archimedes, Pascal, Bernoulli).
- Study electricity and magnetism, including static electricity, electric charge, Ohm's Law, AC/DC, and circuits.
- Learn about electromagnetism and rules for magnetic fields around wires and solenoids.
- Explain force, resultant/equilibrant forces, motion formulas (speed, distance, time), and the difference between mass and weight.
Living World
- Understand ecology, including ecosystem dynamics and disturbances.
- Know material flow, trophic relationships, and primary productivity in ecosystems.
- Recognize chemical recycling and factors influencing biome distribution.
Earth and Space
- Identify minerals and energy resources in the lithosphere, hydrosphere, and atmosphere.
- Study air masses, weather phenomena (cyclones, anticyclones), and the role of the sun (albedo effect).
- Explain astronomical phenomena like tides.
Technological World
- Interpret graphic communication methods and engineering diagrams.
- Understand mechanical systems: links, guides, adhesion, degrees of freedom, and gear systems.
- Recognize electrical functions: components like power supplies, switches, capacitors, diodes, resistors, and transistors.
- Identify material types (plastics, ceramics, composites) and their properties.
- Describe common manufacturing processes: shaping, measuring, assembly, and control.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Oxidation — A chemical reaction where a substance combines with oxygen.
- Ohm's Law — The relationship V = IR; voltage equals current times resistance.
- Trophic Relationships — Feeding connections among organisms in an ecosystem.
- Albedo Effect — The reflection of solar energy from Earth's surface.
- Solenoid — A coil of wire acting as a magnet when carrying electric current.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review relevant concept sheets for each topic.
- Prepare with exam tips and explore ministerial exam requirements.
- Use the Alloprof Help Zone for questions.
- Study diagrams and practice problem-solving for each section.