Lesson Plan

Resources → Subject Notes → Physics → Notes
Lesson Plan
Grade: Date: 17/01/2026
Subject: Physics
Lesson Topic: recall and use the formula for the spring constant k = F / x
Learning Objective/s:
  • Describe the relationship between force, displacement and the spring constant (Hooke’s Law).
  • Calculate the spring constant using k = F / x and apply appropriate units and significant figures.
  • Analyse simple spring‑mass scenarios to determine forces, extensions and stored elastic potential energy.
Materials Needed:
  • Projector or interactive whiteboard
  • PowerPoint/slide showing formulas and diagrams
  • Spring demonstration kit (spring, masses, ruler)
  • Worksheet with practice questions
  • Calculator for each student
  • Exit‑ticket slips
 Introduction:
Begin with a quick demonstration of a hanging spring and ask students what determines how much it stretches. Link this to prior knowledge of force and displacement from previous lessons. State that by the end of the lesson they will be able to recall and correctly use k = F / x to solve real‑world problems.
Lesson Structure:
  1. Do‑Now (5'): Students answer a short question on units of force and displacement on the board.
  2. Mini‑lecture (10'): Present Hooke’s Law, derive k = F / x, and discuss units and significant figures.
  3. Guided practice (12'): Work through the vertical‑spring example together, checking each calculation step.
  4. Hands‑on activity (15'): In pairs, use the spring kit to measure extensions for different masses, record data, and compute k.
  5. Independent worksheet (10'): Students complete three practice problems, teacher circulates for formative feedback.
  6. Check for understanding (5'): Quick quiz via clicker or show of hands on common mistakes.
Conclusion:
Recap the key steps for finding the spring constant and emphasise the importance of converting mass to force. Students submit an exit ticket answering one practice question and note any remaining doubts. Assign homework: three additional spring‑constant problems from the textbook to reinforce the skill.