Lesson Plan

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Lesson Plan
Grade: Date: 17/01/2026
Subject: Physics
Lesson Topic: Temperature
Learning Objective/s:
  • Describe the concept of gravitational potential and its relationship to gravitational potential energy.
  • Calculate gravitational potential for point masses using V = -GM/r and for near‑Earth situations using V = -gh + V₀.
  • Explain how changes in gravitational potential energy can be converted into thermal energy, affecting temperature.
  • Interpret equipotential surfaces and their orientation relative to the gravitational field.
  • Identify and avoid common misconceptions about sign conventions and the uniform‑field approximation.
Materials Needed:
  • Projector and screen
  • Whiteboard and markers
  • Scientific calculators (or calculator app)
  • Worksheet with practice problems
  • Handout of equipotential‑surface diagram
  • Computer with an interactive gravity simulation (e.g., PhET)
 Introduction:
Begin with a striking image of a meteor heating as it falls into Earth’s gravity well to hook interest. Ask students what they already know about energy conversion in falling objects and link it to the previous lesson on gravitational fields. State that by the end of class they will be able to calculate gravitational potential and predict its effect on temperature.
Lesson Structure:
  1. Do‑now (5'): Quick written question – “What is the difference between gravitational field strength (g) and gravitational potential (V)?”
  2. Mini‑lecture (10'): Define gravitational potential, derive V = -GM/r, discuss the negative sign and units.
  3. Demonstration (8'): Show an interactive simulation of equipotential surfaces around a sphere; highlight that field lines are perpendicular.
  4. Worked example (12'): Solve the sample problem calculating V at 2.0 × 10⁷ m from Earth’s centre; interpret the result.
  5. Guided practice (10'): Students complete two problems on the worksheet (one near‑Earth, one space‑based) while teacher circulates.
  6. Concept check (5'): Exit ticket – one sentence explaining how a decrease in gravitational potential can raise temperature.
Conclusion:
Summarise that gravitational potential is a scalar field, its calculation, and its role in converting potential energy to heat. Collect exit tickets to gauge understanding, and assign the three “Further Practice Questions” from the source as homework, reminding students to show all steps.