Lesson Plan

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Lesson Plan
Grade: Date: 17/01/2026
Subject: Physics
Lesson Topic: state and apply each of Newton’s laws of motion
Learning Objective/s:
  • Describe each of Newton’s three laws and their connection to momentum.
  • Apply the first law to predict motion when the net external force is zero.
  • Use the second law (F = dp/dt) to calculate forces, acceleration, and impulse.
  • Apply the third law to analyse action‑reaction pairs in collision scenarios.
  • Solve quantitative momentum and impulse problems, including elastic and inelastic collisions.
Materials Needed:
  • Projector and screen for slides/diagrams
  • Whiteboard and markers
  • Printed worksheet with practice questions
  • Dynamics carts and low‑friction track (or virtual simulation)
  • Motion sensor or stop‑watch for demonstration
  • Calculator or computer with spreadsheet software
  • Graph paper for vector sketches
 Introduction:
Begin with a quick demonstration: a cart glides on a low‑friction track and stops only when a rubber band pulls it, highlighting inertia. Ask students to recall everyday examples of objects staying at rest or moving uniformly. Explain that today they will explicitly state and apply each of Newton’s laws to solve momentum problems, and the success criteria include correctly writing the law, selecting the appropriate equation, and checking units.
Lesson Structure:
  1. Do‑Now (5'): Short prompt on everyday inertia; collect responses.
  2. Mini‑lecture (10'): Concise review of the three laws with equations and real‑world examples.
  3. Guided practice (12'): Work through the elastic‑collision example on the board, prompting student input at each step.
  4. Hands‑on activity (15'): Groups use carts to perform elastic and inelastic collisions, record velocities, and apply conservation of momentum.
  5. Collaborative problem solving (10'): Complete worksheet questions; teacher circulates to support.
  6. Check for understanding (5'): Quick exit‑ticket quiz with one conceptual and one calculation question.
Conclusion:
Summarise how the three laws underpin momentum conservation and how they were used in the demonstrations and worksheet. Have students write one key takeaway on a sticky note as an exit ticket. Assign homework: complete two additional collision problems from the textbook and prepare a brief explanation of the action‑reaction forces involved.