Lesson Plan

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Lesson Plan
Grade: 10 Date: 17/01/2026
Subject: Physics
Lesson Topic: Describe experiments to measure the specific heat capacity of a solid and a liquid
Learning Objective/s:
  • Describe the calorimetric method for determining the specific heat capacity of a solid.
  • Explain the mixing method for determining the specific heat capacity of a liquid.
  • Calculate specific heat capacities using measured masses and temperature changes and the known value for water.
  • Identify common sources of error and suggest ways to minimise them.
Materials Needed:
  • Calorimeter with insulated lid
  • Balance (0.1 g precision)
  • Thermometers or temperature probes
  • Hot water bath
  • Beakers (insulated)
  • Sample solid (e.g., metal block) and test liquid (e.g., oil)
  • Stopwatch and data sheet
  • Projector for diagram demonstration
 Introduction:
Begin with a quick demonstration of mixing hot and cold water to spark curiosity about heat transfer. Review the formula c = Q/(mΔT) and the known specific heat of water. Explain that today’s success criteria are to outline two experimental procedures and correctly compute unknown specific heats.
Lesson Structure:
  1. Do‑now (5'): Students answer a short question on heat‑transfer concepts.
  2. Mini‑lecture (10'): Review the specific‑heat formula and energy‑conservation principle.
  3. Demonstration of solid calorimetry (15'): Show set‑up, discuss apparatus, then students work in groups to perform the experiment and record data.
  4. Group calculation (10'): Using collected data, calculate c for the solid.
  5. Liquid mixing experiment (15'): Repeat procedure with a hot liquid and cold water, record observations.
  6. Group calculation (10'): Compute c for the liquid and compare results.
  7. Class discussion (10'): Identify sources of error and how to improve accuracy.
  8. Exit ticket (5'): Write one key takeaway and one question.
Conclusion:
Summarise how both methods rely on the heat‑loss‑gain balance and the role of water as a reference. Students complete an exit ticket summarising the steps and submit their calculated values. For homework, ask learners to design a brief plan for measuring the specific heat of another material using either method.