Lesson Plan

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Lesson Plan
Grade: Date: 17/01/2026
Subject: Physics
Lesson Topic: define and use pressure
Learning Objective/s:
  • Define pressure as the normal force per unit area and write the formula p = F⊥/A.
  • Convert between common pressure units (Pa, kPa, bar, atm, torr).
  • Calculate pressure for a given normal force and contact area.
  • Apply pressure calculations within static‑equilibrium problems.
  • Identify and correct common misconceptions about pressure versus force and direction.
Materials Needed:
  • Projector and screen
  • Whiteboard and markers
  • Printed worksheet with practice problems
  • Calculator for each pair
  • Set of mass blocks (≈5 kg) and a ruler/measure tape
  • Pressure‑unit conversion chart
  • Diagram handout of a block on a table
 Introduction:

Begin with a quick demonstration: press a thumb onto a piece of paper and compare it to a high‑heeled shoe on the floor to illustrate how the same force can feel different. Review students’ prior knowledge of force (N) and area (m²). State that by the end of the lesson they will be able to define pressure, convert its units, and use it to solve equilibrium problems.
Lesson Structure:
  1. Do‑now (5 '): Quick quiz on force and area definitions.
  2. Mini‑lecture (10 '): Define pressure, introduce the formula and SI units, show conversion table.
  3. Demonstration (8 '): Place a 5 kg block on a table, measure contact area, calculate pressure live.
  4. Guided practice (12 '): Students work in pairs on the worksheet example problem, calculate pressure and express it in kPa.
  5. Concept‑check (5 '): Clicker questions targeting common misconceptions (pressure vs. force, direction).
  6. Extension activity (10 '): Convert the calculated pressure into bar, atm, and torr; discuss uniform‑pressure assumption.
  7. Summary & exit ticket (5 '): Each student writes one correct statement about pressure and one misconception they corrected; collect.
Conclusion:

Recap the definition, units, and calculation steps for pressure, emphasizing its role in equilibrium situations. Collect the exit tickets as a retrieval check. For homework, assign a set of mixed‑unit pressure problems and ask students to explain why pressure, not force, determines the effect on different surfaces.