| Lesson Plan |
| Grade: |
Date: 25/02/2026 |
| Subject: Physics |
| Lesson Topic: Recall and use the equation F = m a and know that the force and the acceleration are in the same direction |
Learning Objective/s:
- Describe the relationship between force, mass, and acceleration (F = ma) and its vector nature.
- Apply the equation to calculate acceleration or force for given masses and forces.
- Explain why force and acceleration act in the same direction and determine the direction of resultant acceleration in multi‑force situations.
- Analyse common misconceptions and correct them using Newton’s second law.
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Materials Needed:
- Projector and screen
- Whiteboard and markers
- Printed worksheet with practice questions
- Calculators
- Set of masses and spring‑scale force sensors
- Free‑body diagram handout
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Introduction:
Begin with a quick question: “If you push a shopping cart harder, what happens to its speed?” Connect this to students’ prior knowledge of speed and force. Review the units of force (N), mass (kg), and acceleration (m s⁻²). State that by the end of the lesson they will be able to use F = ma correctly and explain the direction relationship.
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Lesson Structure:
- Do‑now (5 min): Students list the SI units for force, mass, and acceleration on a sticky note.
- Mini‑lecture (10 min): Derive F = ma from momentum, highlight that **F** and **a** are vectors pointing the same way; show a simple free‑body diagram.
- Guided example (8 min): Work through the 2 kg cart pulled by 10 N example, students calculate acceleration and state direction.
- Hands‑on activity (12 min): In pairs, use spring scales and masses to measure a force, compute the resulting acceleration, and draw the corresponding vectors.
- Concept check (5 min): Clicker/online poll with three scenarios asking for the direction of acceleration.
- Independent practice (10 min): Students solve the three practice questions on the worksheet while teacher circulates.
- Misconception discussion (5 min): Address the listed misconceptions and clarify the correct reasoning.
- Recap (2 min): Quick verbal summary of key points.
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Conclusion:
Summarise that force, mass, and acceleration are linked by F = ma and that force and acceleration share the same direction. Ask each student to write an exit ticket stating one real‑world example of the relationship. For homework, assign two additional problems requiring calculation of acceleration and identification of direction.
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