The Grade 12 Technical Sciences curriculum is tailored for learners pursuing careers in technology and trade industries. Unlike Physical Sciences, this subject bridges the gap between theoretical science and practical application, focusing on hydraulics, elasticity, and technical chemistry.
This guide outlines the 2026 Technical Sciences Annual Teaching Plan (ATP), providing a structured weekly roadmap to help learners and teachers navigate the syllabus from momentum to semiconductors.
Technical Sciences Grade 12 ATP 2026
The curriculum is divided into four terms, integrating Physics (Mechanics, Electricity, Waves) and Chemistry (Organic, Electrochemical) with a strong emphasis on technology-based problem solving.
Term 1: Mechanics & Elasticity
Focus: The first term builds a solid foundation in motion, energy, and material properties.
- Weeks 1–3: Newton’s Laws of Motion
- State and apply Newton’s 1st, 2nd ($F_{net}=ma$), and 3rd Laws.
- Application: Solving problems in a technological context (excluding pulley/lift problems).
- Weeks 4–6: Momentum & Impulse
- Momentum: Definition ($p=mv$) and conservation of momentum (elastic/inelastic collisions).
- Impulse: The relationship $F_{net}\Delta t = \Delta p$ and its application to road safety.
- Weeks 7–8: Work, Energy & Power
- Work: Calculating work done ($W = F\Delta x \cos\theta$).
- Energy: Conservation of mechanical energy and the Work-Energy Theorem.
- Power: Practical units (horsepower) and calculating power ($P=Fv$) for objects at constant velocity.
- Weeks 9–10: Elasticity
- Concepts: Deforming vs. restoring force, plasticity vs. elasticity, and the elastic limit.
- Calculations: Stress ($\sigma = F/A$), Strain ($\epsilon = \Delta l / L$), and Hooke’s Law.
Term 1 Assessments
- Task: Control Test (1 Hour).
- PAT 1: Formal Experiment (40% of PAT mark).
Term 2: Hydraulics, Organic Chemistry & Waves
Focus: The second term covers fluid mechanics, the properties of organic compounds, and light/wave theory.
- Weeks 1–2: Viscosity & Hydraulics
- Viscosity: Effect of temperature on motor oil grades.
- Hydraulics: Pascal’s Law, fluid pressure ($p=\rho gh$), and applications like car lifts and hydraulic brakes ($F_1/A_1 = F_2/A_2$).
- Week 3: Electronic Properties of Matter
- Semiconductors: Intrinsic vs. doped (n-type and p-type) semiconductors.
- Components: Construction and characteristics of a p-n junction diode.
- Weeks 4–6: Organic Chemistry
- Structure: Molecular and structural formulae for alkanes, alkenes, alkynes, alcohols, carboxylic acids, esters, etc.
- Reactions: Oxidation, substitution, addition, and elimination.
- Polymers: Basics of plastics and monomers.
- Week 7: Light
- Reflection, refraction, and Total Internal Reflection (critical angle).
- Dispersion and the use of lenses (convex/concave).
- Weeks 8–9: Electromagnetic Radiation
- The EM spectrum, photons ($E=hf$), and their uses.
Term 2 Assessments
- Task: June Examination (Paper 1 & Paper 2).
- PAT 2: Formal Experiment (30% of PAT mark).
Term 3: Electricity, Magnetism & Electrochemistry
Focus: The third term deals with electrical power, magnetic fields, and chemical energy conversion.
- Weeks 1–2: Electrostatics
- Capacitors: Definition and uses in technology.
- Calculations: Capacitance ($C=q/V$ and $C = \epsilon_0 A / d$).
- Weeks 2–3: Electric Circuits
- Power: Calculations using $P=VI$, $P=I^2R$, and practical units (kWh).
- Weeks 4–5: Electromagnetism
- Induction: Faraday’s Law and Magnetic Flux density ($\Phi = BA$).
- Transformers: Step-up vs. Step-down transformers and calculations ($V_s/V_p = N_s/N_p$).
- Generators/Motors: AC vs. DC generators and the motor effect.
- Weeks 5–7: Electrochemical Cells
- Galvanic Cells: Spontaneous reactions, salt bridge function, and calculating EMF.
- Electrolytic Cells: Electrolysis of copper chloride and electroplating.
Term 3 Assessments
- Task: Trial Examination (Paper 1 & Paper 2).
- PAT 3: Formal Experiment (30% of PAT mark).
Term 4: Final Assessment
Focus: The final term is dedicated to revision and the external NSC examination.
- Weeks 1–3: Revision of Mechanics, Electricity, and Chemical Change.
- Final Assessment:NSC Final Examinations.
- Paper 1 (150 Marks): Mechanics, Electricity, and Waves.
- Paper 2 (75 Marks): Chemical Change and Matter & Materials.
FAQ: Technical Sciences Grade 12
Q: What is the difference between Technical Sciences and Physical Sciences?
A:
Technical Sciences focuses on technology applications. For example, Mechanics includes Hydraulics (fluid pressure) and Elasticity (stress/strain), which are not in Physical Sciences. Chemistry focuses more on industrial applications like polymers and less on theoretical reaction rates.
Q: Do I need to know about doping in semiconductors?
A:
Yes. You must be able to define intrinsic semiconductors and explain the process of doping to create n-type and p-type semiconductors, as well as how a p-n junction diode works.
Q: What practicals are required for the PAT?
A:
You must complete three formal experiments (PAT 1, 2, and 3) throughout the year. Examples include determining the relationship between acceleration and mass, or testing the characteristics of a diode.