Updating High School Physics Curriculum with Modern Physics Concepts: a Thesis for the Requirement of Masters of Education in Physics

Physics has been given as a separate subject in Ethiopian high schools for more than half a century. The physics knowledge, intended to be imparted at this level, was based on classical physics concepts. Several countries reformed their physics curricula in order to make them modern; recognizing that classical physics ideas have some limitations which will hinder students? critical thinking. However, our physics curricula do not seem responsive to the challenges of the 21st century. This has some risks to our country; trying to train learners with the classical physics dominated curricula. To assure this fact, a qualitative case study design was employed and the objectives of high school curricula analyzed in terms of worth, appropriateness, periodic revision and matching. It was found that the classical physics dominated high school curricula objectives lack consistency (with the general objectives of Ethiopian Education and Training Policy), worthiness, appropriateness, and modernity. Therefore, it was concluded that the inclusion of modern physics concepts in the high school curriculum will have undeniable contribution to solve the problem.