Mathematical Skills Necessary to Solve Physics Problems in the Secondary Stage in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Abstract

The purpose of this research was to identify and classify different mathematical skills (numerical, geometrical, algebraic and statistical), necessary to solve the physics problems in developing physics curriculum in secondary stage in the Kingdom of Saud Arabia. The content screening tool was prepared and conducted to analyze the physics books. The results showed the presence of 86 mathematical skills that were classified as necessary to resolve the issues of physics. These skills included eleven calculation skills, 24 algebraic skills, 46 geometrical skills, and 5 statistical skills. The skills were judged to be: very important, important, moderately important, or not important. The number of the skills was different across grade level. In light of the study findings, some recommendations were offered.