Lesson Plan

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Lesson Plan
Grade: Date: 17/01/2026
Subject: Physics
Lesson Topic: analyse and interpret graphical representations of transverse and longitudinal waves
Learning Objective/s:
  • Describe the key characteristics of transverse and longitudinal progressive waves.
  • Interpret displacement‑vs‑position and displacement‑vs‑time graphs to determine wavelength, amplitude, period, frequency and direction of travel.
  • Calculate wave speed using information extracted from graphical representations.
  • Compare graphical features that distinguish transverse from longitudinal waves.
  • Apply graph‑interpretation skills to solve typical A‑Level examination tasks.
Materials Needed:
  • Projector or interactive whiteboard
  • PowerPoint/Google Slides with wave graphs
  • Printed worksheets with sample graphs
  • Graph paper and rulers
  • Scientific calculators
  • String and spring demo set (optional)
  • Whiteboard and markers
 Introduction:
Begin with a short video clip showing a ripple on a pond and a sound wave in a tube to capture interest. Recall students' prior knowledge of simple harmonic motion and the definitions of amplitude, wavelength and frequency. Explain that by the end of the lesson they will be able to read and analyse wave graphs to extract quantitative information and determine wave speed.
Lesson Structure:
  1. Do‑now (5'): quick quiz on definitions of transverse and longitudinal waves.
  2. Mini‑lecture (10'): review the sinusoidal expression y(x,t)=A sin(kx‑ωt+φ) and introduce the two common graph types.
  3. Guided analysis (15'): project a displacement‑vs‑position graph; students identify λ, A and direction of travel, followed by class discussion.
  4. Paired activity (10'): provide a displacement‑vs‑time graph; students calculate period T, frequency f and amplitude A, then share results.
  5. Integrated problem (15'): combine both graphs to compute wave speed using v = fλ; work through the worked example and use click‑questions for instant feedback.
  6. Formative check (5'): exit‑ticket question asking students to state one key difference between transverse and longitudinal graph representations.
Conclusion:
Summarise how the sinusoidal shape is common to both wave types while the axis meaning differs, reinforcing the speed and frequency formulas. Collect the exit tickets to confirm one graph‑reading strategy each student retained. For homework, assign a set of past‑paper questions that require interpretation of displacement‑vs‑position and displacement‑vs‑time graphs.