Lesson Plan

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Lesson Plan
Grade: Date: 17/01/2026
Subject: Physics
Lesson Topic: derive, using the equations of motion, the formula for kinetic energy EK = 21mv2
Learning Objective/s:
  • Describe the work‑energy principle and its connection to kinetic energy.
  • Derive the kinetic‑energy formula \(E_K = \tfrac12 mv^2\) from Newton’s second law and the equations of motion.
  • Apply the derived formula to solve numerical problems involving falling objects and accelerating bodies.
Materials Needed:
  • Projector and screen
  • Whiteboard and markers
  • Printed worksheets with derivation steps and practice questions
  • Calculators (one per student)
  • Small masses (e.g., 2 kg ball) and a ruler to measure drop height
  • Physics textbook or reference sheet on the work‑energy theorem
 Introduction:
Begin with a quick question asking students how the work done by a constant force relates to speed. Review the definition of work and recall Newton’s second law. State that by the end of the lesson they will be able to derive and use the kinetic‑energy formula as a proof of the work‑energy theorem.
Lesson Structure:
  1. Do‑now (5'): Students answer a recall question on work = F·s; teacher checks responses.
  2. Mini‑lecture (10'): Present the link from \(F=ma\) to the kinematic equation \(v^2 = u^2 + 2as\).
  3. Guided derivation (15'): Work through each algebraic step on the projector while students complete the worksheet.
  4. Demonstration (10'): Drop a 2 kg ball from a measured height, record the fall time, calculate \(v\) and \(E_K\) to illustrate the derived formula.
  5. Independent practice (15'): Students solve the three practice questions; teacher circulates to provide feedback.
  6. Exit ticket (5'): Write the kinetic‑energy formula and one sentence explaining its origin from the work‑energy theorem.
Conclusion:
Recap the key steps that led from Newton’s second law to \(E_K = \tfrac12 mv^2\) and highlight its connection to the work‑energy theorem. Collect the exit tickets to gauge understanding, and assign homework: complete two additional kinetic‑energy problems from the textbook chapter.