Critical Analysis of AI Integration in Physical Science Teaching at the Secondary School Level

The advent of Artificial Intelligence (AI) has significantly impacted educational practices, offering new opportunities to enhance teaching and learning, particularly in STEM disciplines. This research provides a critical, data-driven analysis of AI integration in the teaching of Physical Science at the secondary school level. The study explores how AI-based tools—such as intelligent tutoring systems, adaptive learning platforms, virtual laboratories, and automated assessment systems—are being employed in classrooms, and examines their impact on pedagogy, student performance, and teacher roles. Through a mixed-methods approach, quantitative data were collected via structured surveys from 120 Physical Science teachers and 600 secondary school students across urban, semi-urban, and rural schools. This was complemented by qualitative interviews and classroom observations to capture deeper insights into instructional practices and real-world challenges. Statistical analysis reveals that students in AI-supported