Lesson Plan

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Lesson Plan
Grade: Date: 17/01/2026
Subject: Physics
Lesson Topic: state the principle of conservation of momentum
Learning Objective/s:
  • Define linear momentum and its vector nature.
  • State the principle of conservation of momentum for isolated systems.
  • Identify the conditions required for momentum conservation.
  • Distinguish between elastic, inelastic, and perfectly inelastic collisions.
  • Apply momentum conservation to solve quantitative collision problems.
Materials Needed:
  • Projector and screen
  • Whiteboard and markers
  • Printed worksheets with collision problems
  • Low‑friction track and carts for demonstration
  • Calculators
  • Physics textbook (chapter on momentum)
 Introduction:
Begin with a quick demonstration of two carts colliding on a low‑friction track to capture interest. Review students’ prior understanding of force and velocity, linking them to the concept of momentum. Explain that by the end of the lesson they will be able to state and apply the conservation of momentum principle.
Lesson Structure:
  1. Do‑now (5'): Students answer a short question on the definition of momentum on the board.
  2. Mini‑lecture (10'): Introduce the linear momentum formula and impulse‑momentum theorem with brief examples.
  3. Interactive demonstration (10'): Perform the cart collision, asking students to predict the post‑collision speed.
  4. Guided practice (15'): Work through the sample inelastic‑collision problem together, highlighting the conservation equation.
  5. Independent practice (10'): Students complete worksheet problems on various collision types while the teacher circulates.
Conclusion:
Summarise that momentum is conserved when no external forces act and that this rule simplifies analysis of collisions. Students write an exit‑ticket answer stating the conservation condition for the system they observed. For homework, assign two additional collision problems from the textbook to reinforce the calculation steps.