Physics at HEMDA

Physics is a natural sciencethe main goal of which is understanding the world surrounding us. Physics explains “how stuff works” in a wide range of magnitudes – from miniscule subatomic particles to great black holes at the centers of galaxies.

Physics is the most fundamental discipline acting as the foundation for all other natural sciences and is responsible for the better part of technological advancements to date. The greatest breakthroughs in the history of mankind were based on methods and theories developed by physicists.

Beyond the subjects included in the high school program, namely, mechanisms of everyday reality (mechanics, electricity and magnetism, radiation and matter), the study of physics helps students develop abstract, analytical thinking as it combines theoretical studies of natural phenomena with the formation of hypotheses and accordance to experimental measurements. It provides the students with intellectual tools such as: construction of arguments, testing them out with experimental diagnostics, learning deductive processes and using different methods for presentations of obtained results (i.e. verbal, analytical, graphic). Special emphasis is placed on error evaluation, as from it stems the comprehensive understanding of natural phenomena. These unique insights are presented to the students via a combination of frontal instruction, numerous, hands-on experiments and demonstrations in the classroom. This combined approach is at the core of the teaching method employed at HEMDA.

Studying physics at a 5-unit level (A-levels, APs) is a doorway to enrollment in prestigious programs at various universities. It is a mandatory prerequisite for all students attending the Technion (Israel Institute of Technology).  Furthermore, studying mechanical and electric engineering in all of Israel's academic faculties, and also enrolling in medical schools, require a high level of knowledge in physics. High-tech companies welcome holders of graduate physics degrees.