| Lesson Plan |
| Grade: |
Date: 25/02/2026 |
| Subject: Physics |
| Lesson Topic: Know that research is being carried out to investigate how energy released by nuclear fusion can be used to produce electrical energy on a large scale |
Learning Objective/s:
- Describe the basic nuclear‑fusion reaction (D‑T) and how it releases energy (E=mc²).
- Explain why fusion is considered an attractive large‑scale power source compared with fission and renewables.
- Identify the main technical challenges (temperature, confinement, materials, net‑gain) facing current fusion research.
- Outline how the heat from fusion is converted into electricity using a steam‑turbine cycle.
- Evaluate the potential future impact of projects such as ITER on global energy supply.
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Materials Needed:
- Projector and screen
- PowerPoint/Google Slides with fusion diagrams and ITER video
- Printed handout of the energy‑source comparison table
- Worksheet for group activity (scenario analysis)
- Whiteboard and markers
- Exit‑ticket slips
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Introduction:
Begin with a striking image of the Sun and ask students how the Sun powers life on Earth. Link this to their prior knowledge of chemical energy and ask them to predict what would be needed to harness similar energy on Earth. State that today they will investigate the cutting‑edge research aiming to turn fusion into a clean, large‑scale electricity source and will be able to list its advantages and challenges by the end of the lesson.
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Lesson Structure:
- Do‑Now (5'): Quick write – “What powers the Sun and why can’t we simply copy it?” Collect responses.
- Mini‑lecture (10'): Explain nuclear fusion basics, the D‑T reaction, and Einstein’s E=mc².
- Group activity (15'): Using the printed comparison table, groups analyse fuel availability, waste, safety, and energy density for fission, fusion, and renewables; each group presents one key finding.
- Video showcase (5'): Short ITER overview video; pause for 2 key points.
- Think‑Pair‑Share (5'): Discuss the four technical challenges; each pair writes one possible solution on the board.
- Concept check (5'): Quick quiz (Kahoot/hand‑raise) on how fusion heat is turned into electricity.
- Exit ticket (5'): Write one fact that convinces you fusion could become a major power source and one question you still have.
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Conclusion:
Summarise the main advantages of fusion, the current research milestones (e.g., ITER’s first plasma), and the hurdles that remain. Collect exit tickets to gauge understanding and assign a short homework: each student finds a recent news article on ITER or another fusion project and writes a 150‑word summary linking it to today’s learning.
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