Lesson Plan

Resources → Subject Notes → Physics → Notes
Lesson Plan
Grade: 10 Date: 17/01/2026
Subject: Physics
Lesson Topic: Describe some of the everyday applications and consequences of thermal expansion
Learning Objective/s:
  • Describe how thermal expansion affects solids, liquids and gases in everyday contexts.
  • Explain the physical basis of expansion using particle motion and coefficient formulas.
  • Identify at least three engineering strategies used to manage expansion and prevent failure.
  • Apply the linear, area and volume expansion equations to simple quantitative problems.
Materials Needed:
  • Projector and screen
  • Whiteboard and markers
  • Thermometer, metal strip, small bridge model (or images)
  • Handout with coefficient tables and summary
  • Worksheet with calculation and application questions
 Introduction:
Begin with a short video of a railway bridge expanding on a hot day to capture interest. Ask students what they think causes the gap to appear and link to prior knowledge of particle motion with temperature. State that by the end of the lesson they will be able to describe everyday examples, explain the underlying physics and suggest design solutions.
Lesson Structure:
  1. Do‑now (5') – quick quiz on temperature and particle motion.
  2. Mini‑lecture (10') – concept of thermal expansion, equations, coefficients.
  3. Demonstration (8') – bimetallic strip thermostat and mercury thermometer.
  4. Group activity (12') – analyse applications (bridge, hot‑air balloon, fuel gauge) and identify consequences.
  5. Calculation practice (10') – use expansion formulas on worksheet.
  6. Check for understanding (5') – exit‑ticket question on managing expansion.
  7. Summary & homework briefing (5') – recap key points and assign practice problem.
Conclusion:
Summarise that thermal expansion is inevitable and must be accounted for in design, recalling the examples discussed. Students complete an exit ticket describing one mitigation strategy. Assign homework to calculate the length change of a steel rail over a 30 °C temperature rise.