| Lesson Plan |
| Grade: |
Date: 25/02/2026 |
| Subject: Physics |
| Lesson Topic: Describe the processes of nuclear fission and nuclear fusion as the splitting or joining of nuclei, to include the nuclide equation and qualitative description of mass and energy changes without values |
Learning Objective/s:
- Describe nuclear fission and fusion processes, including the nuclide equations and the qualitative mass‑energy changes.
- Compare the reactants, products, required conditions and energy release of fission versus fusion.
- Explain why a small mass defect results in a large release of energy and discuss real‑world applications of each process.
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Materials Needed:
- Projector and screen for slides/diagrams
- Whiteboard and markers
- Printed worksheet with nuclide equations and comparison table
- Model kits or simulation software (e.g., PhET) for fission/fusion
- Exit‑ticket cards
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Introduction:
Show a brief video clip of a nuclear power plant and a star, asking students what powers both.
Recall previous learning about atomic structure and binding energy.
State that by the end of the lesson they will be able to describe fission and fusion processes and identify the associated mass‑energy changes.
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Lesson Structure:
- Do‑now (5'): quick recall quiz on protons, neutrons, and isotopes.
- Mini‑lecture – Fission (10'): introduce the process, display diagram, write the nuclide equation, discuss mass defect.
- Guided practice (8'): pairs label a fission diagram and complete related worksheet questions.
- Mini‑lecture – Fusion (10'): present the process, show diagram, write the nuclide equation, explain required temperature/pressure.
- Comparative activity (12'): groups fill a Venn diagram comparing fission and fusion; teacher circulates for misconceptions.
- Concept check (5'): whole‑class clicker quiz or show of hands to verify understanding.
- Summary & exit ticket (5'): students write one key difference and one real‑world application; collect tickets.
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Conclusion:
Recap that both fission and fusion convert a tiny amount of mass into a large amount of energy, with fusion releasing more per nucleon.
Students complete an exit ticket stating which process powers the Sun and one practical use of the other.
Homework: read a short article on current fusion research and prepare a brief summary for the next class.
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