| Lesson Plan |
| Grade: |
Date: 25/02/2026 |
| Subject: Physics |
| Lesson Topic: Define specific heat capacity as the energy required per unit mass per unit temperature increase; recall and use the equation c = ΔE / m Δθ |
Learning Objective/s:
- Define specific heat capacity and state its SI unit.
- Derive and rearrange the equation c = ΔE/(mΔθ) to calculate energy changes.
- Solve quantitative problems involving energy, mass, and temperature change for various substances.
- Identify and correct common misconceptions about specific heat capacity versus heat capacity and unit conversions.
|
Materials Needed:
- Projector or interactive whiteboard
- Printed worksheet with practice questions
- Calculator for each student
- Sample water container for a brief demonstration
- Thermometer (for demo)
- Handout of specific heat capacity values
|
Introduction:
Begin with a quick demonstration of heating a small amount of water and observing the temperature rise. Ask students what factors might affect the amount of energy required. Connect this to their prior work on energy and temperature change, and state that by the end of the lesson they will be able to calculate energy using the specific heat capacity formula.
|
Lesson Structure:
- Do‑now (5'): Students answer a short recall question on the difference between heat capacity and specific heat capacity.
- Mini‑lecture (10'): Present definition, units, and derive c = ΔE/(mΔθ); show the rearranged form ΔE = c m Δθ.
- Guided example (10'): Work through the water‑heating problem step‑by‑step, checking each calculation.
- Interactive activity (12'): In pairs, students solve the three practice questions on the worksheet, using calculators while the teacher circulates to address misconceptions.
- Concept check (5'): Quick quiz (e.g., Kahoot) on common errors such as incorrect mass units or temperature scales.
- Summary & exit ticket (3'): Students write one correct statement and one misconception they corrected on a sticky note.
|
Conclusion:
Review the key steps for calculating energy with specific heat capacity and emphasize the importance of consistent units. For the exit ticket, students state the energy needed to heat 250 g of water from 20 °C to 80 °C. Assign homework: complete two additional problems involving aluminium and copper from the textbook.
|