Lesson Plan

Resources → Subject Notes → Physics → Notes
Lesson Plan
Grade: Date: 25/02/2026
Subject: Physics
Lesson Topic: Describe the particle structure of solids, liquids and gases in terms of the arrangement, separation and motion of the particles and represent these states using simple particle diagrams
Learning Objective/s:
  • Describe the arrangement, separation and motion of particles in solids, liquids and gases.
  • Compare the three states of matter using simple particle diagrams.
  • Explain how temperature influences particle motion and leads to phase changes.
  • Apply the particle model to answer typical exam questions about compressibility.
Materials Needed:
  • Projector and screen
  • Whiteboard and markers
  • Printed handouts with blank particle diagrams
  • Worksheet with comparison table
  • Interactive simulation (e.g., PhET “States of Matter”)
  • Sticky notes for exit tickets
 Introduction:
Begin with a quick demonstration of shaking a sealed bottle of water to highlight particle motion. Recall students’ prior knowledge of solids, liquids and gases from earlier lessons. Explain that by the end of the lesson they will be able to describe each state using the particle model and produce accurate diagrams.
Lesson Structure:
  1. Do‑now (5’) – Students label a blank particle diagram for solid, liquid and gas.
  2. Mini‑lecture (10’) – Present the particle model (arrangement, separation, motion) with projector slides.
  3. Guided practice (10’) – Whole‑class analysis of sample diagrams; discuss key differences.
  4. Interactive simulation (10’) – Students explore the PhET “States of Matter” simulation and record observations.
  5. Worksheet activity (10’) – Small groups complete a comparison table and create their own particle diagrams.
  6. Check for understanding (5’) – Quick quiz using clickers or a show‑of‑hands.
  7. Exit ticket (5’) – Write one sentence explaining why gases are more compressible than liquids.
Conclusion:
Summarise how particle arrangement, separation and motion define each state and link these ideas to macroscopic properties such as shape, volume and compressibility. Collect the exit tickets that state why gases compress more easily than liquids. For homework, ask students to draw labelled particle diagrams for a given scenario and answer a short question on the effect of temperature on particle motion.