Lesson Plan

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Lesson Plan
Grade: Date: 17/01/2026
Subject: Economics
Lesson Topic: difference between human capital and physical capital
Learning Objective/s:
  • Describe the key differences between human capital and physical capital (definition, form, acquisition, depreciation, mobility, measurement).
  • Explain how each type of capital contributes to the production function and economic growth.
  • Analyse policy implications of investing in human versus physical capital.
  • Compare real‑world examples of human and physical capital.
  • Apply a simple Cobb‑Douglas production function to illustrate the role of both capitals.
Materials Needed:
  • Projector or interactive whiteboard
  • Slide deck summarising key differences
  • Handout with comparison table
  • Short video clip on human capital development
  • Worksheet with production‑function exercise
  • Markers and flip chart for group brainstorming
 Introduction:
Start with a quick poll: “What drives productivity more – advanced machinery or skilled workers?” Link the response to yesterday’s discussion on the four factors of production. By the end of the lesson, students will correctly identify and compare human and physical capital and explain their roles in the production function.
Lesson Structure:
  1. Do‑now (5’) – students list everyday examples of human and physical capital; teacher records responses.
  2. Mini‑lecture (10’) – present definitions, forms, acquisition, depreciation, mobility, and measurement using slides and the comparison table.
  3. Interactive activity (12’) – groups complete a partially filled comparison table and justify each entry.
  4. Application (10’) – work through a simple Cobb‑Douglas example, calculating output changes when H or K increases.
  5. Check for understanding (8’) – quick quiz (Kahoot or exit ticket) with two short questions on policy implications.
Conclusion:
Summarise that human capital enhances labour efficiency while physical capital provides the tools for production, both essential for growth. Ask students to write one takeaway on an exit ticket and indicate which type of capital they think their country should prioritise. Assign homework: research a recent government policy aimed at boosting either human or physical capital and prepare a one‑page summary.