Dimensional Analysis and its Role in the Learning of Physical Sciences in Secondary Qualifying School

Abstract

The study of the relationship between physical quantities with the help of dimensions and units of measurement is essential because it keeps the units the same, helping us perform mathematical calculations smoothly. In this manuscript, we have highlighted the importance of dimensional analysis in learning the physical sciences in secondary qualifying schools. Our study presents the results of exploratory research that we conducted with baccalaureate students from secondary qualifying schools located in the province of Essaouira in Morocco. The objective of this study is to test students' knowledge of the notion of dimensional analysis and its role in learning the physical sciences. We used a questionnaire (Appendix) to collect the data from 123 students. The questionnaire was composed of 8 questions, generally closed to have a specific form of response and to obtain factual information, the completion of questionnaires by students is subject to anonymity. Analysis of this collected data indicated and revealed that many students have difficulty mastering the principle and rules of dimensional homogeneity. Therefore, they are not aware that they are making mistakes if they get inconsistent equations. The results of this questionnaire also reveal a set of constraints and difficulties that hinder the learning of physical sciences in secondary qualifying schools. These difficulties are due to insufficient attention to dimensional analysis, whether in the physical sciences curriculum of secondary education or by teachers of this discipline.