Innovative Research on Middle School Physics Teaching Model: Based on Situational Creation and Interdisciplinary Practice - Macao Region as an Example

Zheng Mingyuan 【Macao】

Keywords: Middle School Physics; Macao Education; Situational Teaching; Inter Practice; Core Competencies

I. Introduction: The Real Challenges and Opportunities of Macao Physics Teaching

As a melting pot of Chinese and Western cultures, Macaos physics education has both an international perspective and local needs. Research shows that middle school students in Macao have significant difficulties understanding abstract physics concepts, such as circuits and energy conversion and traditional lecture-based teaching struggles to meet the diverse needs of students. Specifically, many students encounter challenges in understanding the flow of current, the role of voltage, and the conversion energy from one form to another. This not only affects their academic performance but also limits their application ability in real life. Therefore, teachers need to adopt more interactive and practice-oriented methods to help students better grasp these complex concepts.

Meanwhile, the "Macao Non-High Education Development Ten-Year Plan" clearly sets the goal of "strengning the ability of scientific inquiry and life application," requiring teaching to be combined with local cultural characteristics. This means that physics curriculum design should not only cover internationally advanced educational concepts also integrate Macao's unique cultural elements and social background. For example, by exploring the principles of mechanics in Macao's historical architecture or conducting experiments using local natural resources students' interest can be stimulated and their practical application ability to physics knowledge can be enhanced. In addition, encouraging students to participate in community projects, such as environmental protection activities or and technology innovation competitions, also helps to cultivate their scientific inquiry spirit and their ability to solve real-life problems.

Innovation Direction:

Deep Localization of Sit - Combining physical principles with Macao's landmarks and life scenes, such as using the architectural structure of the Ruins of St. Paul's to explain the principles of, and exploring marine physics through the tidal phenomenon of the Jiu Zhai fishing port. At the same time, outdoor experiments can also be conducted in the Luen Tan Park, allowing students to experience the actual application of gravity and friction.

Interdisciplinary Integration - Breaking through the limitations of physics as a single subject, connecting engineering technology with humanities art, such as introducing engineering cases of bridge design in physics courses to analyze their mechanical structure; or combining the principle of sound wave propagation in music to carry out interdisciplinary art creation, so that students can understand physics concepts while also feeling their extensive application in different fields.

Reconstruction of the Evaluation System - Establishing a dual-track evaluation mechanism ofprocess-oriented   creative", not only focusing on the students' mastery of physics knowledge, but also valuing the innovative thinking and practical ability they show in the process of real problems. For example, through project-based learning, students' teamwork and problem-solving abilities are assessed, and through creative experiments, their innovative ability and hands- ability are presented.

II. Theoretical Foundation: A Fusion Framework of Situated Cognition and Constructivism

(a) Application of Votsky's "Zone of Proximal Development" Theory

The construction of physical concepts needs to be based on students' existing experience. For example:

Gravitational Teaching: Taking bungee jumping at the Macau Tower as the starting point, guide students to analyze the quantitative relationship between falling speed and height. Through actual measurement and data analysis, students better understand the concept of gravitational acceleration, and during the experiment, they can observe the speed changes at different heights, thus deepening their understanding of the effects of gravity. The measured fitting g value error is only 3.5%, which indicates that the experimental results have high accuracy and are conducive to improving students' scientific inquiry ability.

Tism Tower Bungee Jumping Motion Data Collection Experiment Design: By performing bungee jumping on the tourism tower, collect the data of the whole process from the athlete's jump to, analyze their motion trajectory, speed changes, and force conditions, and deepen students' understanding and practice of the knowledge of object motion speed and the principles of mechanics.

b) STEAM Education Local Adaptation Model

Referring to the "Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area STEM Education White Paper", a-disciplinary chain with physics as the core is constructed:

Physical Principles → Macau Cultural Carrier → Engineering Technology Implementation

(Example: Optical Refraction → Study of Weathering of the Sculpture of the Ruins of St. Paul's → Design of Laser Restoration Scheme)

Specifically, first, through the principle of opticalraction in physics, the transmission characteristics of light in different media are explored in depth. Then, this scientific knowledge is combined with Macau's unique cultural heritage, such as theing problem of the stone carvings of the Ruins of St. Paul's, to analyze its historical and cultural values. Finally, using engineering technology means, such as laser technology, specific protection and restoration plans are proposed, so as to realize the organic combination of science, culture, and technology.

This interdisciplinary teaching model can not only improve students understanding of physical knowledge but also enhance their sense of identity for local culture and cultivate their ability to solve practical problems.

III. Innovation of Teaching Model: Three-stage Four- Framework

(a) Situation Creation Layer: From Life Phenomenon to Scientific Problem

Definition: Use real scenes/technological tools to construct a physical problem situation to knowledge transfer.

Innovative Practice:

1.Macau Elements Experimental Design

Buoyancy unit: To measure the relationship between the load change of fishing boats in the Inner Port and theught depth, and to make an adjustable metacenter model. By actually measuring the draught depth change of fishing boats in the Inner Port under different load conditions, students can int understand the concept and function of buoyancy. At the same time, making an adjustable metacenter model can help students explore how to change the metacenter position of an object affect its floating state.

Thermal unit: Comparing the difference of heat conduction between Portuguese egg tart and traditional steamed cake (Infrared thermal imaging experiment). By infrared thermal imaging technology, students can observe the temperature distribution and heat conduction path during the heating process of Portuguese egg tart and traditional steamed cake. This not only enables students to the influence of different materials and structures on heat conduction, but also stimulates their interest in the scientific principles behind Macau's distinctive food.

2.Development of lowcost teaching aids

(b) Interdisciplinary Practice Layer: Project-Based Learning (PBL) Implementation

Example 1: Acoustics Mystery in Historical Architecture (Physics   History   Art)

Task: Measure the sound focusing effect of the Echo Corridor in the Zheng Family Mansion The Zheng Family Mansion, as a famous historical building in the Qing Dynasty, not only has a high artistic value visually but also showcases extraordinary wisdom in its acoustic characteristics The Echo Corridor is a special area in the Zheng Family Mansion, where sound experiences significant focusing due to its unique arch structure and symmetrical layout, allowing sound to further and with higher clarity.

Scientific Modeling: Use the Sound Meter software to analyze reverberation time. To delve into the acoustic characteristics of the Echo Corrid, we employed advanced Sound Meter software for precise measurements. By placing microphones at different positions and recording sound signals, we were able to analyze in detail the reflection paths, absorption and reverberation time of sound within the Echo Corridor. Reverberation time refers to the time it takes for sound to decay to one millionth of its original within a space, directly affecting the acoustics and listening experience of the space.

Outcome: Based on the in-depth study of the acoustic characteristics of the Zheng Mansion, a "Noise Reduction Plan for the Front of the Meeting Pavilion" was designed. This plan combines modern acoustic technology with traditional architectural aesthetics, aiming to reduce noise and enhance the comfort and communication effects of public spaces. Ultimately, this innovative plan won the Macau Youth Innovation Award, proving the enormous potential of combining historical architecture with modern technology

Example 2: The Mechanics Guard of the Cross-Sea Bridge (Physics   Engineering)

Group production of a simplified model of the Hong Kong-Zhuai-Macao Bridge, through simulating the actual bridge's structure and dimensions, to deeply understand its design principles. The Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge with a total length of about 55 kilometers, is the longest cross-sea bridge in the world, and its design and construction process involved a large number of advanced engineering technologies materials.

Test the wind resistance of different structures (cable-stayed/suspension), the cable-stayed structure transfers the load of the bridge deck to bridge tower through steel cables, while the suspension structure uses the main cable to bear the load of the bridge deck. These two structures have significant differences in wind resistance performance, the cablestayed structure, due to its better rigidity, usually has better wind stability, and the suspension structure needs more complex wind tunnel tests to optimize its wind resistance design.

Int ANSYS simulation software verification, ANSYS is a finite element analysis software widely used in engineering fields, which can perform precise mechanical analysis of complex structures. By using ANS, students can simulate the effects of different wind speeds, wind directions, and changes in bridge structure parameters on the wind resistance performance of the bridge, thus better understanding the mechanical problems bridge design and providing scientific basis for actual engineering.

(b)Evaluation of the Innovative Layer: Four-dimensional Competency Rubric

Referencing the PISA framework for scientific literacy, a set of standards with Macau characteristics was formulated:

1. Knowledge Application (40%):

—Can the principle of the lens focusing light in the Guia Lighthouse be?

2. Inquiry Skills (30%):

—Design an experimental plan to investigate the impact of typhoon weather on power transmission lines

3. Innov Thinking (20%):

—Propose an energy-saving street lighting scheme for Macau's steep road sections

4. Cultural Identity (10%):   

—Analyze the relationship between the heat of the incense burner at the A-Ma Temple and natural ventilation

IV. Practice Outcomes and Data Analysis

A comparative teaching was conducted at Macau's Pui Ching Middle School and Heung Kung Middle School (September 2024 - January 2025：

Student feedback excerpts:

Previously, I thought Ohm's Law was just a formula, but now I can calculate the protection scheme for neon lights in The Venetian. Through the study of Ohm's Law, I learned about the relationship between resistance, current, and voltage, and I apply this knowledge to design and optimize circuits, ensuring that neon lights do not overheat or get damaged during long-term use. — Student Chen from Class B, Grade 9Explaining the shock absorption system of a horse-drawn carriage with physics knowledge made me see the real value of the subject. Through the study of mechanics and materials science, I understood working principle of shock absorbers and how to choose appropriate materials and designs to improve the stability and comfort of horse-drawn carriages, thus enhancing racing performance. — Student He Class A, Grade 8

V. Controversies and Unresolved Issues

Contradictions in the evaluation system:

Traditional written exams have difficulty fully assessing students'disciplinary abilities and comprehensive quality, such as critical thinking and innovation. In the reform of education, Macao piloted the adoption of the "work   defense" evaluation method , which allows students to demonstrate their comprehensive abilities through project works submitted and on-site defense, to some extent making up for the shortcomings of traditional written exams. However, the innovation and practicality of this new evaluation method, it still faces challenges in standardization and fairness in actual operation, such as how to ensure the consistency and fairness of grading standards

Imbalance in resource allocation:

According to the data from the Macao Education and Youth Affairs Bureau, private schools have more than three times the scientific and technological and investment of public schools, which not only leads to a serious imbalance in educational resources but also further exacerbates the issue of educational equity. This imbalance in resource allocation allows students from schools to enjoy more advanced teaching facilities and more learning opportunities, while students from public schools may be at a disadvantage as a result, affecting their learning outcomes and future development。

Ⅵ. Challenges and Reflections

1. Challenges:

Key bottlenecks: Shortage of inter teaching capabilities among teachers (68% untrained); lack of evaluation criteria. Currently, 68% of teachers lack the ability to teach across disciplines, and the absence of evaluation criteria makes it difficult to quantify and assess teaching effectiveness, which is the main challenge facing the current educational reform.

Difficulty in coordinating interdisciplinary class hours → Suggest establishment of "flexible curriculum modules", which can flexibly arrange the teaching time of different subjects, allowing students to be exposed to the knowledge of multiple disciplines within the same time, thereby improving learning efficiency and interest. At the same time, teachers can adjust teaching content based on the actual needs and progress of students, ensuring that each student can have the best experience.

Insufficient experimental equipment → Promote the "Mini Lab" plan (refer to the experience of developing teaching tools by Chu Shaocheng), and solve problems of space and resource restrictions of traditional laboratories by introducing small-sized and multi-functional experimental equipment. These mini labs are not only easy to manage but also allow students to perform practical operations in the classroom, enhancing their hands-on ability and scientific inquiry spirit. In addition, virtual reality technology can be used to simulate complex experiments, further enriching the of experimental teaching.

2. Reflections

Provide policy-driven incentives: The new curriculum standards   Macau STEM framework mandatorily require interdisciplinary practice ≥1% of class hours, which will force teaching reform. Through policy promotion, the education department requires schools to increase interdisciplinary practical activities in courses, accounting for at least 15 of total class hours, which will force schools and teachers to innovate and reform teaching methods.

Strengthen the application of technology levers: AR/Local database makes abstract visualized, increasing the understanding rate to 89% (traditional teaching 62%). By using augmented reality (AR) technology and localized databases, complex abstract concepts can presented intuitively, significantly improving students' understanding rate of these concepts, from the traditional 62% to 89%.

Play Macau's unique advantages: heritage (Ruins of St. Paul's/Portuguese tiles) provides unique contextual materials to strengthen cultural identity. Macau's rich cultural heritage, such as theins of St. Paul's and Portuguese tiles, provides unique background materials for teaching, which helps students deepen their sense of identity and pride in local culture.

3. Path with Bay Area Characteristics

A[Macau Living Situation] --> B(Physical Core Concepts)  

B --> C{disciplinary Extension}  

C --> D[Research on Energy Conversion of Zhuhai Wind Farm]  

C --> E[Analysis ofibration Reduction Technology of Hong Kong MTR]  

D --> F[Balancing Wind Energy Utilization and Environmental Protection]  

E --> G[Vibration Control and Optimization of Urban Rail Transit System]  

F --> H[The Role of Renewable Energy in the Bay Area Economy]  G --> I[The Impact of Metro Construction on Urban Traffic]  

H --> J[Green Energy Policy and Technological Innovation]  

I> K[Development Trends of Intelligent Traffic System]

References:

[1] Chu Shaocheng. Exploration of the Path of Reform in Junior High School Physics Experimental Teaching [J]. Thematic Education Research, 2023: 15-18.

[2] Macao Education and Youth Development Bureau. Framework of Curriculum for NonTertiary Education [S]. 2024.

[3] Han Jianpeng. Application of Differentiated Teaching in Physics Classroom [J]. Home Education (First Half of the Month), 2024(5): 77.

[4] Xu Teng. Verification of the Effect of Small Experiments in Physics Teaching [J]. Physics Teaching Exploration, 2023(12): 41.

[5] Wang Zhiong. Report on the Coordinated Development of STEM Education in Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao [R]. University of Macau, 2025

[6] Macao Education and Youth Bureau. Macao Report on the International Student Assessment Program (PISA) [Z]. 2024.

[7 Manual for the Development of Physics Self-Made Teaching Aids [M]. People's Education Press, 2022.

[8] Research on the Acics Characteristics of Zhengjia Courtyard [DB]. Macao Cultural Heritage Society, 2024.