Grade 10 Physical Sciences introduces learners to the fundamental principles of physics and chemistry. This subject requires a strong grasp of mathematics and involves investigating physical and chemical phenomena through scientific inquiry. To ensure you stay on track with your studies, it is essential to consult the full Grade 10 Annual Teaching Plans (ATPs).
This article outlines the 2026 Physical Sciences Grade 10 ATP, breaking down the weekly focus areas for teachers and learners, from the initial Waves, Sound and Light in Term 1 to the final End-of-Year Examinations.
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Download ATP HerePhysical Sciences Grade 10 ATP 2026
The Annual Teaching Plan is divided into four terms, ensuring comprehensive coverage of physics (waves, electricity, mechanics) and chemistry (matter, bonding, chemical change).
Download: Physical Sciences Grade 10 ATP 2026 PDF
Term 1: Waves, Sound, Light, and Electrostatics
Focus: The first term introduces the physics of waves and radiation, followed by the principles of static electricity and simple circuits.
- Weeks 1–2: Transverse Pulses and Waves
- Pulses: Pulse, amplitude, and the principle of superposition (constructive/destructive interference).
- Waves: Transverse waves, wavelength ($\lambda$), frequency ($f$), period ($T$), and wave speed ($v = f\lambda$).
- Weeks 3–4: Longitudinal Waves and Sound
- Sound: Longitudinal waves (compressions/rarefactions), echoes, pitch (frequency), loudness (amplitude), and ultrasound.
- Weeks 5–7: Electromagnetic Radiation
- Spectrum: Dual nature of EM radiation (wave/particle), properties, uses, and dangers (UV, X-rays, Gamma rays).
- Calculation: $c = f\lambda$ and Energy of a photon ($E = hf$).
- Weeks 7–9: Electrostatics
- Charge: Two types of charge, conservation of charge ($Q_{new} = \frac{Q_1 + Q_2}{2}$), and quantization of charge ($Q = nq$).
- Weeks 9–11: Electric Circuits
- Basics: Potential difference, EMF, current, resistance, and Ohm’s Law concepts.
- Assessment:
- Practical: Physics or Chemistry experiment (e.g., Waves or Heating curve).
- Control Test: 100 marks.
Term 2: Matter, The Atom, and Chemical Bonding
Focus: The second term shifts to Chemistry, exploring the building blocks of matter, the periodic table, and how atoms bond.
- Weeks 1–2: Matter and Material
- Classification: Mixtures, pure substances, elements, compounds.
- States: Kinetic Molecular Theory, phase changes, and heating/cooling curves. * Week 3: The Atom
- Structure: Protons, neutrons, electrons, atomic number, mass number, and isotopes.
- Configuration: Electron configuration (sp notation) and Aufbau diagrams up to $Z=20$.
- Week 4: The Periodic Table
- Trends: Periodicity, atomic radius, ionization energy, electronegativity, and classification of elements (metals/non-metals).
- Weeks 5–6: Chemical Bonding
- Bonds: Covalent, Ionic, and Metallic bonding.
- Diagrams: Drawing Lewis dot diagrams for atoms and simple molecules. * Weeks 7–8: Physical and Chemical Change
- Changes: Conservation of atoms and mass, balancing chemical equations.
- Week 9: Quantitative Aspects
- The Mole: Molar mass, calculating moles ($n = \frac{m}{M}$), and Avogadro’s law.
- Assessment:
- Mid-Year Examination: One paper (100 marks) covering Term 1 and 2 content.
Term 3: Chemical Change, Vectors, and Motion
Focus: Term 3 covers stoichiometry (calculations in chemistry) and introduces Mechanics (motion and forces).
- Weeks 1–2: Quantitative Aspects (Continued)
- Stoichiometry: Concentration ($c = \frac{n}{V}$), percentage composition, empirical formula, and theoretical yield.
- Week 3: Vectors and Scalars
- Concepts: Defining vector vs. scalar, graphical representation, and resultant vectors in one dimension.
- Weeks 4–6: Motion in One Dimension
- Kinematics: Reference frame, position, displacement, distance, speed, velocity, and acceleration.
- Weeks 7–9: Instantaneous Speed and Equations of Motion
- Graphs: Position-time, velocity-time, and acceleration-time graphs.
- Calculations: Using equations of motion ($v_f = v_i + a\Delta t$, etc.) to solve problems.
- Week 10: Energy
- Mechanical Energy: Gravitational potential energy ($E_p = mgh$) and Kinetic energy ($E_k = \frac{1}{2}mv^2$).
- Assessment:
- Practical: Investigation (e.g., acceleration or chemical change).
- Control Test: 100 marks.
Term 4: Energy, Revision, and Final Examinations
Focus: The final term concludes Mechanics with the conservation of energy and focuses on revision for the final exams. For additional practice materials, visit our Grade 10 Past Papers section.
- Weeks 1–2: Energy (Continued)
- Conservation: Law of conservation of mechanical energy ($E_{mech} = E_p + E_k$).
- Weeks 3–7: Revision
- Comprehensive revision of Physics (Paper 1) and Chemistry (Paper 2).
- Assessment: End-of-Year Examinations
- Paper 1 (Physics – 100 marks): Waves, Sound, Light, Electrostatics, Electric Circuits, Vectors, Motion, Energy.
- Paper 2 (Chemistry – 100 marks): Matter, Atoms, Periodic Table, Bonding, Chemical Change, Stoichiometry, Hydrosphere.
FAQ: Physical Sciences Grade 10
Q: Do I need to take Mathematics with Physical Sciences?
A: Yes, Mathematics is compulsory. Physical Sciences relies heavily on mathematical concepts like equations, graphs, and subject of the formula.
Q: What is the difference between Physics and Chemistry?
A: Physics deals with matter, energy, motion, and force (Paper 1). Chemistry deals with the composition, structure, and properties of substances and how they change (Paper 2).
Q: Are there prescribed experiments?
A: Yes, you must complete at least one Physics and one Chemistry experiment for your SBA (School-Based Assessment) mark, such as testing for varied resistors or heating/cooling curves.