Lesson Plan

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Lesson Plan
Grade: Date: 17/01/2026
Subject: Physics
Lesson Topic: understand that nucleon number and charge are conserved in nuclear processes
Learning Objective/s:
  • Describe nucleon number (A) and charge number (Z) and their significance in nuclei.
  • Explain the conservation of A and Z in alpha, beta‑minus, beta‑plus, and gamma nuclear processes.
  • Apply the conservation rules to balance nuclear equations, including emitted particles.
  • Identify common mistakes when checking conservation and correct them.
Materials Needed:
  • Projector or interactive whiteboard
  • Slide deck with nuclear decay equations
  • Printed worksheets with practice equations
  • Set of nuclear decay cards or simulation software
  • Calculator
  • Exit‑ticket cards
 Introduction:
Begin with a quick poll: “What stays the same when a nucleus changes?” Connect to prior learning on atomic number and mass number. State that by the end of the lesson students will reliably check that both nucleon number and charge are conserved in any nuclear reaction.
Lesson Structure:
  1. Do‑now (5’) – students list A and Z for a set of isotopes on a mini‑whiteboard.
  2. Mini‑lecture (10’) – review nucleon and charge numbers, introduce conservation equations, show example slides.
  3. Guided practice (15’) – work through the alpha decay of U‑238 on the board; students fill a balance table.
  4. Pair activity (15’) – balance beta‑minus and beta‑plus equations using worksheets; teacher circulates to check reasoning.
  5. Whole‑class check (10’) – discuss common pitfalls, emphasise including the charge of emitted leptons.
  6. Quick formative quiz (5’) – exit‑ticket: write a balanced gamma‑emission equation and state the A and Z before and after.
Conclusion:
Summarise that both A and Z remain unchanged across all nuclear processes, reinforcing the step‑by‑step verification method. Students complete an exit ticket to demonstrate mastery and are assigned homework to balance three additional nuclear reactions.