Lesson Plan

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Lesson Plan
Grade: Date: 17/01/2026
Subject: Mathematics
Lesson Topic: Energy, work and power: kinetic and potential energy, conservation, work done, power
Learning Objective/s:
  • Describe kinetic and potential energy forms and their formulas.
  • Apply the work‑energy principle and power definition to solve problems.
  • Use conservation of mechanical energy to determine speeds, heights, or forces.
  • Analyse common mistakes related to sign conventions and vector angles.
Materials Needed:
  • Projector or interactive whiteboard
  • Printed worksheets with practice problems
  • Calculator or computer algebra system
  • Spring scales and masses for a quick demo
  • Diagram of an inclined plane (handout or slide)
 Introduction:
Begin with a quick demonstration: release a small block down a frictionless incline and ask students to predict its speed at the bottom. Recall prior learning on forces, work and energy from earlier mechanics units. Today’s success criteria: correctly identify energy forms, apply the conservation principle, and calculate work, power, and speed.
Lesson Structure:
  1. Do‑now (5’) – short quiz on kinetic vs potential energy definitions.
  2. Mini‑lecture (10’) – derive formulas for kinetic, gravitational, elastic potential energy and power; emphasize scalar nature.
  3. Guided example (12’) – work through the block‑down‑incline problem using conservation of energy.
  4. Collaborative activity (15’) – pairs solve a variable‑force work problem and a spring‑energy task, using calculators.
  5. Concept check (8’) – quick polling on common pitfalls; address sign conventions and angle in power.
  6. Exit ticket (5’) – each student writes one correct formula and one typical mistake to avoid.
Conclusion:
Summarise that energy can be transferred but not created, and that work and power are linked through time. For the exit ticket, students record the key formula they found most useful. Homework: complete the additional practice set on energy, work and power from the textbook.