Lesson Plan

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Lesson Plan
Grade: Date: 17/01/2026
Subject: Physics
Lesson Topic: Sketch, plot and interpret distance-time and speed-time graphs
Learning Objective/s:
  • Describe how to label axes and choose appropriate scales for distance‑time and speed‑time graphs.
  • Sketch accurate distance‑time and speed‑time graphs for given motion scenarios.
  • Plot experimental data and draw best‑fit lines for periods of uniform motion.
  • Interpret gradients and areas of graphs to determine speed, acceleration and distance travelled.
  • Identify and correct common misconceptions when reading these graphs.
Materials Needed:
  • Whiteboard and markers
  • Projector with slides of example graphs
  • Graph paper and rulers
  • Stopwatch or timer
  • Motion experiment kits (toy cars, ramps, measuring tape)
  • Worksheets with practice questions
  • Calculator
 Introduction:
Begin with a short video of a car race and ask students what information they could extract from the motion they see. Recall that distance‑time and speed‑time graphs are tools to represent motion quantitatively. Explain that today they will learn to sketch, plot real data and interpret these graphs, and will be assessed on their ability to extract speed, acceleration and distance.
Lesson Structure:
  1. Do‑now (5'): Quick quiz on reading axes and gradients.
  2. Mini‑lecture (10'): Review key concepts and how gradients represent speed and acceleration.
  3. Demonstration (8'): Teacher sketches a distance‑time graph live while a toy car moves, highlighting rest, uniform motion and acceleration.
  4. Guided practice (12'): Pairs plot provided experimental data on graph paper, label axes, choose scales, and draw best‑fit lines.
  5. Interpretation activity (10'): Using the plotted graphs, students calculate speed, acceleration and area under the speed‑time graph, then discuss answers.
  6. Consolidation (5'): Whole‑class review of common misconceptions and answer practice questions.
Conclusion:
Summarise that the slope of a distance‑time graph gives speed, the slope of a speed‑time graph gives acceleration, and the area under a speed‑time graph gives distance. For the exit ticket, each student writes one correct interpretation and one common error to avoid. Homework: complete the worksheet with three new motion scenarios requiring sketching and analysis.