Lesson Plan

• Describe how a temperature increase leads to a rise in an object’s internal energy.
• Explain the quantitative relationship Q = mcΔT and identify each variable.
• Apply the formula to calculate heat energy for given masses and temperature changes.
• Analyse everyday examples that illustrate specific heat capacity.
• Identify and correct common misconceptions about heat capacity and temperature.

• Projector and screen
• Whiteboard and markers
• Worksheet with practice questions
• Calculator for each student
• Thermometer, beaker of water, aluminium block (demo materials)
• Exit‑ticket slips

Begin with a quick demonstration of heating two different materials and ask students which heats up faster. Recall their prior knowledge of temperature as a measure of kinetic energy. State that by the end of the lesson they will be able to predict and calculate how much heat is needed to raise an object’s temperature.

1. Do‑now (5'): Short quiz on temperature vs heat energy to activate prior knowledge.
2. Mini‑lecture (10'): Introduce internal energy, specific heat capacity and the formula Q = mcΔT.
3. Demonstration (10'): Heat water and an aluminium block, record temperature changes, discuss why they differ.
4. Guided practice (12'): Work through the provided example (250 g water, 20 °C→80 °C) together.
5. Independent practice (10'): Students complete the three practice questions on worksheet.
6. Misconception check (5'): Think‑pair‑share on common misconceptions; teacher clarifies.
7. Summary & exit ticket (3'): Recap key points; students write one thing they learned on an exit slip.

Summarise that raising temperature increases internal energy and that the amount of heat required depends on mass and specific heat capacity. Collect exit tickets to gauge understanding and assign a homework task: calculate the heat needed to warm 0.5 kg of copper from 30 °C to 90 °C.