| Lesson Plan |
| Grade: 10 |
Date: 25/02/2026 |
| Subject: Physics |
| Lesson Topic: describe and explain qualitatively the motion of objects in a uniform gravitational field with air resistance |
Learning Objective/s:
- Describe the three qualitative motion regimes of a falling object in a uniform gravitational field with air resistance.
- Explain how weight and drag forces determine acceleration and terminal velocity.
- Analyse the influence of mass, cross‑sectional area, shape, and air density on terminal speed.
- Apply Newton’s second law to predict the motion qualitatively for different objects (e.g., feather vs. steel ball).
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Materials Needed:
- Projector and screen
- Whiteboard and markers
- Printed worksheet with drag equations and regime table
- Demonstration objects (feather, steel ball, small parachute)
- Stopwatch
- Laptop with simulation software (e.g., PhET “Gravity and Orbits” with air resistance)
- Graph paper
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Introduction:
Begin with a quick video of a feather and a steel ball dropped side‑by‑side, prompting students to predict which will hit the ground first. Recall prior learning on Newton’s laws and the concept of net force. Explain that by the end of the lesson they will be able to qualitatively describe the motion phases and identify factors that affect terminal velocity.
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Lesson Structure:
- Do‑now (5') – Students answer a short question on a sticky note: “What forces act on a falling object in vacuum?” Collect responses.
- Hook video & discussion (7') – Show the feather/ball video, elicit predictions, record misconceptions.
- Direct instruction (12') – Present key concepts: weight, drag (linear & quadratic), net‑force equation, three motion regimes using slides and the regime table.
- Guided inquiry (15') – Small groups analyze the worksheet: determine applicable regimes for given objects, sketch velocity‑time graphs, discuss factors influencing terminal velocity.
- Whole‑class synthesis (8') – Groups share sketches; teacher highlights correct qualitative descriptions and corrects misconceptions.
- Exit ticket (3') – Students write one sentence summarising how drag modifies acceleration and one example of a factor that changes terminal speed.
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Conclusion:
Summarise that air resistance creates distinct motion phases and ultimately a constant terminal velocity where net force vanishes. For the exit ticket, students state the key relationship between drag and acceleration. Assign homework to read the textbook section on quadratic drag and complete the online simulation quiz.
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