Lesson Plan

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Lesson Plan
Grade: Date: 17/01/2026
Subject: Physics
Lesson Topic: understand that mass is the property of an object that resists change in motion
Learning Objective/s:
  • Describe how mass quantifies inertia and resists changes in motion.
  • Explain the relationship between force, mass, and acceleration (F = ma).
  • Calculate momentum and predict outcomes of collisions using conservation of momentum.
  • Apply Newton’s laws to analyse real‑world scenarios involving different masses.
Materials Needed:
  • Projector and screen for slides
  • Whiteboard and markers
  • Carts and masses for demonstration
  • Force sensors or spring scales
  • Worksheets with practice problems
  • Computer with PhET simulation software
 Introduction:
Begin with a quick demonstration: push two carts of different masses with the same force and ask students which will accelerate more. Recall prior learning on Newton’s first law and the concept of inertia. Explain that today’s success criteria are to define mass as a measure of inertia, relate it to force and acceleration, and use momentum to solve collision problems.
Lesson Structure:
  1. Do‑now (5') – Prompt on inertia from the previous lesson; quick check.
  2. Mini‑lecture (10') – Define mass as inertia, present F = ma and p = mv with examples.
  3. Guided demo (10') – Use carts and a force sensor to show differing accelerations; discuss observations.
  4. Interactive simulation (8') – PhET “Collision Lab” to explore momentum conservation; students record results.
  5. Practice problems (12') – Solve the two example problems in pairs; teacher circulates for feedback.
  6. Recap & exit ticket (5') – One‑sentence description of how mass influences motion plus a quick momentum question.
Conclusion:
Summarise that mass determines an object’s resistance to changes in speed or direction and appears directly in both F = ma and p = mv. Highlight how the conservation of momentum provides a reliable tool for analysing collisions. Assign homework: complete a worksheet with additional collision scenarios and prepare a short explanation of inertia for the next class.