Rational
Over 2/3 of Arab-Bedouin high schools do not offer Physics Matriculation as a result of the lack of teachers, equipment, laboratory infrastructure, and community awareness. In the few schools where there is a Physics track – there are often only 6-10 students studying in each class – when the capacity is 25 students. This is an inefficient use of scarce resources (Physics teachers and laboratories).
Given that in 2019, only 24% of schools offer Physics, it is no surprise that only 2% complete 5-units of matriculation in Physics. Physics is a major field of science knowledge, providing instrumental grounding for entrance in engineering faculties in Universities.
At the Tamar Center, we believe that every student deserves equal opportunity and we therefore became consumed with the challenge of how we can provide the solution for all students who want and are able to study high-matriculation in Physics.
It is for this reason we came up with the concept of a Regional Physics Megama.
We are working with the Ilan Ramon Center and Jusidman Science Center for Youth at Ben-Gurion University operate a regional megama (matriculation track). Ilan Ramon has great experience in Physics instruction, and has all of the advanced equipment necessary.
The Tamar Center works together with local high schools, parents, and teachers, because of our promise to meet the varied needs and manage the challenges that arise. All high schools that participate in the program do not currently offer Physics matriculation and do have students participating in Tamar Center’s Excellence in Sciences program. The principals are full partners in building the matriculation track.
The Ministry of Education’s superintendent on Physics oversees the program’s operation.
Goals
• Grow the number of Arab-Bedouin students who earn 5-units Physics matriculation
• Exposure to Higher Education, with particular focus on Physics and Engineering
Objectives
• Open the 2019 school year with 30 students from 4 high schools
• Operate a three-year curriculum will be taught according to Ministry of Education standard to 10th-12th graders. Over the three-year period they will meet for 40 5-hour sessions annually
• Less than 20% drop-out rate
• At least 22 students who advance to complete the 2021 theoretical and lab-based testing
• 90% of students earn full Physics matriculation
Students’ Testimonials
Abdul Rahman Al-Mahdi , Ar’ara BaNegev
“I love physics. For me, it is an easy and simple subject that can be mastered once you repeat the material and practice solving exercises.At first, I thought that physics was just about the rules, but then I realized that studying physics is actually about learning how to analyze. Through the program, I learned how to analyze along with many other important skills. My relationship with the teachers and coordinators is very good. I hope to one day be a physics teacher in the future.”
Regada Abu Kaf ,Umm Batin
“I have always wanted to understand the natural phenomena that occur around me. Through the program, I discovered that all the occurrences around us can be understood through physics. I was able to understand how the things I see every day happen, that is why with each passing day I love physics, and this program, more and more. I work hard to successfully continue the program and be able to study 5 units in the Physics matriculation, because I understand well how much it will help me in academia. We are given the opportunity to study at the university, and it’s a great experience, because this way we get better accustomed to academic life and experience the university atmosphere.”
Bashar Abu Kush ,Ar’ara BaNegev
“I love physics because it demonstrates and clarifies how things occur. I have always heard that physics is a really difficult subject, but when I joined Tamar Center and devoted myself to the studies, I found that physics became an easy subject. I enjoy learning, it has really corrected a lot of misconceptions and mistakes that I had made prior to my studying. In addition to everything, learning at the university is really fun and it gives us the opportunity to experience university atmosphere from a young age.”
Nagam Abu Sabih , Segev Shalom
“Physics is a very interesting topic, as it is related to everything that happens all around us. One of the reasons for my love of physics is the opportunity it gives us to explore all the phenomena that occur on a daily basis. The physics program is a special experience, as I am still a high school student but I am able to study at a university. Through this experience I’ve developed a lot of skills and abilities. I would like to express so much thanks to the Tamar [Center] team who put a tremendous amount of effort into our [learning and development]. We saw how much they care about us, take us seriously, and strive together with us for our success. What does any student need more than that?”
Yasmin Al-Mahdi , Ar’ara BaNegev
“Ever since I was little I have always asked: Why does the earth revolve around the sun? Why do things fall to the ground? I am a curious girl, love to explore the nature around me, the reasons for movement and more. I knew that the love of physics starts with asking questions. This program changed my way of thinking as well as the way I lived my life; I started looking at things around me from a scientific point of view. I learned a lot of different study methods such as, making the commitment to arrive on time, proper time management, and I was also able to build good relationships with students from different places. The teachers and staff of Tamar Center are the best staff I have ever come across. They’ve provided guidance, help, support, attention and have worked hard to enable our success and to give us the self confidence and trust in ourselves when it comes to learning.”
