Lesson Plan

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Lesson Plan
Grade: Date: 17/01/2026
Subject: Physics
Lesson Topic: recall and use F = qE for the force on a charge in an electric field
Learning Objective/s:
  • Describe the concept of an electric field and how it is represented by field lines.
  • Explain how the sign of a charge influences the direction of the force given by F = qE.
  • Apply F = qE to calculate the magnitude and direction of force in uniform and superposed electric fields.
  • Perform vector addition of electric fields from multiple charges before using F = qE.
Materials Needed:
  • Projector or interactive whiteboard
  • Slide deck with field‑line diagrams
  • Printed worksheet with practice questions
  • Coloured markers for drawing field lines
  • Calculator (or calculator app)
  • Charged objects or simulation software (e.g., PhET)
 Introduction:
Begin with a quick demonstration: hold a charged balloon near small bits of paper and ask students what they observe. Connect this to the idea that an electric field exerts a force on charges. Review that they already know about forces and vectors, and state that by the end of the lesson they will be able to predict and calculate forces using F = qE.
Lesson Structure:
  1. Do‑now (5') – Short recall question on the definition of an electric field.
  2. Mini‑lecture (10') – Present definition, field‑line conventions, and the equation F = qE with sign discussion.
  3. Guided example (10') – Work through a uniform‑field problem step‑by‑step, checking understanding.
  4. Interactive simulation (10') – Use PhET or a balloon demo to visualise field lines and predict force direction.
  5. Collaborative practice (15') – Pairs solve the three practice questions while the teacher circulates.
  6. Quick check (5') – Exit ticket: one sentence describing how the sign of q affects force direction.
Conclusion:
Summarise that the electric field gives the force per unit positive charge and that F = qE links field and force, with the sign of q dictating direction. Invite a few students to share their exit‑ticket responses. Assign homework: calculate the force on a charge in a given non‑uniform field using superposition.