Lesson Plan

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Lesson Plan
Grade: Date: 25/02/2026
Subject: Physics
Lesson Topic: understand and use the terms period, frequency and peak value as applied to an alternating current or voltage
Learning Objective/s:
  • Describe the definitions of period, frequency and peak (amplitude) value for any periodic AC waveform.
  • Explain the mathematical relationship between period and frequency and how angular frequency relates to them.
  • Calculate RMS values from peak values for sinusoidal waveforms and interpret their significance in real‑world AC circuits.
  • Apply the concepts to solve typical exam problems involving AC voltage or current.
Materials Needed:
  • Projector or interactive whiteboard
  • PowerPoint slides with waveform diagrams
  • Printed worksheet with definition table and practice problems
  • Oscilloscope simulation software (e.g., PhET)
  • Calculator for students
  • Whiteboard and markers
 Introduction:
Begin with a quick demonstration of a music speaker vibrating to illustrate alternating motion, linking it to alternating current. Ask students what they recall about periodic motion and how it might be described mathematically. State that by the end of the lesson they will be able to define period, frequency and peak value, relate them, and use them in calculations.
Lesson Structure:
  1. Do‑now (5') – Short quiz on periodic motion and units.
  2. Mini‑lecture (10') – Present definitions of period, frequency, peak value and angular frequency with examples.
  3. Interactive simulation (10') – Use oscilloscope software to view a sinusoidal voltage and identify period, frequency and peak.
  4. Guided practice (12') – Work through the RMS calculation example together, emphasizing unit handling.
  5. Independent worksheet (10') – Students convert between T and f and find peak and RMS values.
  6. Check for understanding (8') – Exit ticket: write the T‑f relationship and the RMS formula for a sinusoid.
  7. Summary discussion (5') – Review key points and answer lingering questions.
Conclusion:
Recap the core relationships: T = 1/f, ω = 2πf, and Vrms = V0/√2 for a sinusoid. Collect the exit tickets to gauge mastery and clarify any misconceptions. Assign homework to measure the period of a household appliance’s AC voltage using a smartphone app and calculate its RMS value.