Lesson Plan

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Lesson Plan
Grade: Date: 17/01/2026
Subject: Physics
Lesson Topic: State the relative charges of protons, neutrons and electrons as +1, 0 and -1 respectively
Learning Objective/s:
  • Describe the relative charges of protons, neutrons, and electrons.
  • Explain how the sum of these charges determines atomic neutrality.
  • Identify common misconceptions about particle charges.
  • Apply charge concepts to calculate the net charge of simple atoms.
Materials Needed:
  • Projector or interactive whiteboard
  • Slide deck with particle‑charge table
  • Printed worksheet with charge‑balance problems
  • Physical model of an atom (foam balls or similar)
  • Markers and chart paper
 Introduction:
Begin with a quick visual of an atom and ask students what they recall about the particles inside the nucleus. Link this to prior lessons on atomic structure and state the success criteria: students will correctly name each particle’s relative charge and explain neutrality.
Lesson Structure:
  1. Do‑now (5’) – Students write the charge of protons, neutrons, and electrons on sticky notes; teacher reviews.
  2. Mini‑lecture (10’) – Present the relative charges using slides and the schematic diagram; emphasize the +1, 0, –1 values.
  3. Guided practice (10’) – Complete the charge table together and derive the neutrality equation.
  4. Misconception check (5’) – Quick poll on statements about neutrons and electron charge magnitude.
  5. Independent worksheet (10’) – Students calculate net charges for several atoms and correct any errors.
  6. Exit ticket (5’) – Write the charge of each particle and give one example of a neutral atom.
Conclusion:
Recap the three relative charges and how they combine to give a neutral atom. Collect the exit tickets as a retrieval check and assign a short homework: complete a table of charge balances for three different elements.