Lesson Plan

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Lesson Plan
Grade: Date: 17/01/2026
Subject: Physics
Lesson Topic: define and use specific heat capacity
Learning Objective/s:
  • Describe the Celsius, Fahrenheit and Kelvin temperature scales and their relationships.
  • Convert temperatures accurately between the three scales.
  • Define specific heat capacity and explain the meaning of each term in Q = mcΔT.
  • Apply the heat‑transfer equation to solve quantitative problems involving different substances.
Materials Needed:
  • Projector or interactive whiteboard
  • Printed worksheets with conversion tables and practice problems
  • Scientific calculators
  • Thermometers and sample masses (e.g., water container, aluminium block)
  • Specific heat capacity reference chart
  • Exit‑ticket slips
 Introduction:
Begin with a quick real‑world question: “Why do chefs and engineers need different temperature scales?”
Recall students’ prior work on temperature conversion from earlier lessons.
Explain that by the end of class they will be able to convert temperatures and use Q = mcΔT to predict heat requirements.
Lesson Structure:
  1. Do‑Now (5’): Quick conversion quiz on the board (C↔K↔F).
  2. Mini‑lecture (10’): Review the three temperature scales, zero points, and conversion formulas.
  3. Guided Practice (10’): Students work in pairs to convert a set of temperatures, checking answers with the projector.
  4. Introduce Specific Heat Capacity (10’): Define c, present Q = mcΔT, and discuss each variable.
  5. Worked Example (10’): Demonstrate the water heating problem step‑by‑step, highlighting unit consistency.
  6. Independent Practice (10’): Students solve three practice questions (one conversion, one heat calculation, one mixture problem) while teacher circulates.
  7. Check for Understanding (5’): Quick “thumbs up/down” on key concepts and a 2‑minute exit ticket.
Conclusion:
Summarise how temperature scales connect to absolute temperature and how specific heat capacity quantifies heat transfer.
Collect exit tickets asking students to state one new thing they learned and one question they still have.
Assign homework: complete a worksheet with additional conversion and heat‑capacity problems.